*    ( 31   $  4    ' $  4  4        &,*&-%./012 /0/0 1 ,!- $. !2 $3    #0 1&,76/5 5026/ -20#0 0 ,0.- #0  ! " # ""# $!#% %# %#% 206/, 0,17#61&0 *"8&,/05&0/#0 70 # &#%%# 9# -  $)*+8* &&% 8: 9   '0       34  /23"/56(/17                                  R               !   "  ( #-(,. said, “The Congress workers the Congress and the BJP, she are not at all disappointed on had said while the former had day after it was left high being left out of the alliance. imposed Emergency in the (  &/ Aand dry by the Samajwadi On the contrary, they are say- country, the latter was respon- Party (SP) and the Bahujan ing that the party would have sible for the current state of n a clear indication that the Samaj Party (BSP) forging an had to contest on 25 “undeclared Emergency”. IBJP is now ready to accom- alliance, the Congress on seats, but now they would be Azad on Sunday accused modate leaders in 75-year age Sunday announced it will con- contesting on all the 80 seats of the BJP of dividing the coun- category in important posi- test all the 80 Lok Sabha seats the State.” On possibilities of an try for power and claimed that tions, the party on Sunday in Uttar Pradesh on its own alliance with the Rashtriya Lok the saffron party had failed to appointed senior legislator strength. However, the Dal, Azad said that he would fulfil any of its poll promises. Gulab Chand Kataria as the Congress has kept the doors of not like to speak to the media “The coming Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition in the a possible alliance open saying on this issue. election is a battle to unite Rajasthan Assembly. The 74- the Congress would accom- Announcing that very and safeguard the democratic year-old Kataria was also select- modate any secular force capa- soon party president Rahul values,” he said. ed as the leader of the BJP leg- ble of taking on the ruling Gandhi will launch rallies at Attacking Prime Minister islature party while seven-time   Bharatiya Janata Party in the different places in the State on Narendra Modi, the Congress MLA Rajendra Rathore was    Lok Sabha election. support of the party candidates, leader said, “Modi is not con- chosen as his deputy.    The Congress has not been Azad, who is the Leader of the cerned about the country, he is Former Chief Minister !  ! in power in Uttar Pradesh Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, bothered about his own chair. Vasundhara Raje, who has now  #!  $% since the Babri Masjid demo- said that some regional parties One of the biggest scams has been completely marginalised    # lition in 1992. The State has can too join them in the State taken place during the tenure in the BJP scheme of things,      been governed alternately by thus predicting the inclusion of of this Government. The proposed the name of Kataria &  !    Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav’s Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Government has not gone for as the leader of BJP legislature $%! #!    Samajwadi Party. their fold. Claiming that there a probe. Not going for a probe party, which was seconded by But the Congress plan to is issue of leadership among the does not mean that the scam the party MLAs unanimously.     contest the bulk of Lok Sabha anti-BJP parties and the issue has not been committed.” “There was only one pro-     seats is expected to cut into the of the next Prime Minister Stating that the Congress posal for the post,” the party’s  ! votes of the alliance. It is also will be decided after the elec- had always put the country national general secretary Arun expected to irk Mayawati and tions. before everything else, he cited Singh told reporters after the in the former Vasundhara Raje Akhilesh, who have lent sup-                          !  On Saturday, BSP chief the examples of the party sac- meeting. He said Rathore was Government. port to the Congress    "!  $% Mayawati and SP president rificing power in Jammu and chosen as the deputy leader by Kataria was first elected as Governments in Madhya Akhilesh Singh Yadav Kashmir to strengthen Sheikh Kataria. MLA in 1977, then in 1980. He Pradesh. modate some secular political Congress will double its tally of out of the SP-BSP alliance, the announced their parties would Abdullah and how it had sac- Kataria’s elevation shows has won all Assembly elections After a brainstorming ses- parties in their alliance in UP, seats, which it had secured in Congress general secretary contest 38 seats each and leave rificed power to put an end to that the BJP has decided to since 1993, remaining a mem- sion with senior party leaders, it said that very soon the lead- the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. said: “We wanted that Congress out two seats — Amethi and terrorism in Mizoram. downsize Raje, who is not on ber of the House. Governor Congress general secretary and ership will start selecting the During the 2009 Lok Sabha should have been a part of the Rae Bareily — for the Congress. “The Congress has been the best terms with the Central Kalyan Singh will administer incharge of UP Ghulam Nabi candidates and party presi- elections, the Congress had grand alliance (against the BJP) Mayawati said her party never fighting for the rights of the leaders. Though Raje herself him oath of office on Monday. Azad, said, “There was a dent Rahul Gandhi will address bagged 21 seats. in UP. But, if someone does not gained from an alliance with poor, farmers, backward castes proposed the name of Kataria, Rathore has earlier served demand from the party rank public rallies at different parts To a question whether his want to walk along, then noth- the Congress and held it and Dalits since even before it’s well known that Kataria has as the Parliamentary Affairs and file for contesting the elec- of the State. party will not forge a coalition ing could be done.” On the responsible for the plight of Independence and after been her nemesis in the Minister in the State. tions alone in UP, which had Addressing a Press confer- with any political party, Azad post-poll alliance with the SP backward castes. Independence, it is following Rajasthan politics for a long Union HRD Minister and been accepted by the leader- ence here on Sunday Ghulam said, “If any political party is and BSP, Azad said that at the “We do not gain from an the same ideology,” he said. time. party’s poll incharge in the ship and now the party will Nabi Azad said, “The Congress willing to join hands, and the national level, the Congress alliance with the Congress, On the possibilities of an Kataria will also be the pro- State Prakash Javadekar, contest the elections with full will contest on all the 80 Lok Congress feels that it can fight welcomes all the secular whereas the vote transfer is per- alliance with the Ajit Singh-led tem speaker to conduct the first national spokesperson strength.” Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP, then it will be definitely regional parties. fect in an SP-BSP tie-up,” Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Azad meeting of the newly elected Sudhanshu Trivedi and party’s Announcing that the and defeat the BJP.” Azad also be accommodated.” Replying to another ques- Mayawati had said. said he would not like to speak Assembly. He is an eight-time State president Madan Lal Saini Congress is ready to accom- expressed hope that the On the Congress being left tion on SP-BSP alliance, Azad Drawing a parallel between to the media about it. MLA and was Home Minister were present in the meeting. )*$  $   % "    & !     $ %          R $%&' ( )  '   !  ( P   ( / ,-2&      comments questioning the seek the removal, the depar- (  ,0.10#2& Singh, Modi also came down credibility of Justice Sikri for ture, the exit of the collabora- tate cabinet approved the on the Congress for the 1984      supporting Prime Minister for tor for violating the Sproposal for construction of rime Minister Narendra riots that took place removing Verma as the CBI Constitution -- the CVC (chief two new medical colleges, one PModi on Sunday attacked following the assassination of       director within 24 hours of vigilance commissioner). He each in Koderma and Chaibasa the previous Congress the then Prime Minister Indira being reinstated by the must go. It is irrelevant whether on Sunday. Government for its inability to Gandhi. Referring to the  !  Supreme Court. he resigns or is sacked, but he A special cabinet meeting bring Kartarpur Sahib under Kartapur Sahib corridor, he Retired Justice AK must go,” Congress spokesper- was organised at Bio-diversity India during partition. said now devotees do not have ( ,0.10#2& Patnaik’s revelations that the no son Abhishek Manu Singhvi park in Lalkhatanga, here on Releasing a commemora- to look at the shrine in Pakistan corruption charges were found said at AICC Press confer- Sunday, wherein nine deci- tive coin as part of the 350th using binoculars and they he controversy surrounding against Verma was also being ence. sions were taken, including *   -   *       birth anniversary celebrations could visit the place without Tthe unceremonious flagged in the social media. The Congress alleged that the approval of holding the    .-  !," !     ! ! of 10th Sikh guru Guru Gobind visa using the corridor. removal of Alok Verma as CBI Justice Sikri’s plum London CVC KV Chowdary is being Budget Session of    ( * director by the Prime Minister- tribunal posting was for five made to “act like a puppet” to Assembly from January 17 to led panel refuses to die down. years and as per the rules of tri- avoid any probe into the Rafale February 8. where the centre-state share fer in Latehar district for con- Justice AK Sikri, who backed bunal, the judges were allowed case. Briefing the media about would be 60-40 per cent.” struction of Tori-Biratoli- Modi for removing Verma, on extension of another five years “Till now, we have been decisions taken in the meeting, The Cabinet also approved Mahuamilan railway line to the Sunday evening declined a also. told that only the CBI was the Additional Chief Secretary, urban water supply scheme rail ministry was approved plum post-retirement London India is a member of this ‘caged parrot’ but we are now Finance Department, Sukhdev worth 60.12 crore for against the payment of 39 posting even as the Congress Tribunal and Sikri will be seeing a new ‘vigilant’ slave of Singh said, “Under phase II of Koderma Nagar Panchayat. An lakh. sought “immediate removal” of expected to be the president of the Government, a collabora- Centre's scheme to construct approval for utilization of 50 Meanwhile, the fund allo- the chief vigilance commis- this Tribunal by rotation of the tor for violating the constitu- medical colleges, approval has crore from contingency funds cated for buying eggs for mid sioner, alleging the posts among the member tion of the Central Vigilance been given to establishing a for implementation of day meal was increased from Government had made him act countries in the Commission,” the Congress new medical college in Karma Mukhyamantri Sukanya Yojna 4 to 6 per egg by the Cabinet like a “puppet” to “escape a Commonwealth. spokesperson alleged, taking a area of Koderma with a budget was also given by the Cabinet. to ensure that children in gov- probe” into the Rafale deal. In the evening, stung by the swipe at the Modi of 314.28 crore along with The Cabinet also approved ernment schools get healthy After The Print portal criticism, Justice Sikri, who Government. upgradation of the adjoining giving three acres land in and nutritious food. reported that the Government enjoys a high reputation as an “The CVC has been acting Sadar hospital to a 300 beds Musabani area of East The Cabinet also decided has suggested to post Justice uncompressing judge, wrote like an ambassador for Asthana hospital.” Singh informed that Singhbhum to Uranium that Jharkhand will be paying Sikri as member of London- to Law Ministry that he is (CBI Special Director Rakesh another medical college will be Corporation of India Limited 557.13 crore to Bihar based Commonwealth declining this post retirement Asthana), lobbying for coming up in Chaibasa with a (UCIL) for industrial purpose Government against the divi- Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal job in London. Asthana, and acting as an agent budget of 314.35 crore. He of setting up a recovery plant sion of pension and other *   *          (CSAT) after his retirement in Meanwhile, attacking the and messenger for the said, “This is being done under on 30 years of paid lease worth retirement plans of the resi-   !   &, March 6, 2019, social media CVC, the Congress demanded Government, to do their hatch- a centre sponsored scheme 17.38 lakh. Also, land trans- dents of undivided Bihar.  ! ,-   $% was flooded with scandalous his immediate sacking. “We et jobs,” Singhvi alleged.  O    #  $ % && $ " '    (    P           heila Dikshit, the three-time Excerpts: one of the competitors is the promises to the people: free will make a comeback in Delhi, party of the country. We should alliance with the SP, I bowed     SChief Minister who ran the For almost three years, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). But power, free water, etc. We have because even now people still not be discouraged by defeats down to that. We were doing      national Capital for 15 con- you have been away from it is a small party, and it has lost two elections to them. But remember 15 years of the by the AAP. We will pick up good on our own, but the col-       secutive years till getting a active politics. Now the won just by making false I am certain that the Congress Congress rule. As time goes by, momentum on our own, with- lective will of the party had to       major drubbing in the 2013 Congress has entrusted you they are remembering it more.” out any alliance.” be honoured.” !"  "    Assembly election at the hands with an important task of In the last two Assembly Despite opinion polls giv- What makes you so con-     # of Arvind Kejriwal, has come steering the Delhi unit of the elections in Delhi, the BJP ing the Congress a good fident that voters will again  $ out of the political hibernation party. How do you feel? almost retained its vote per- chance in UP Assembly elec- support the Congress? What to head the Delhi unit of the “I am related to Delhi in a centage, but the AAP ate into tions, you refused to accept is your plan?       Congress. very special way. I was educat- the Congress’ votes, and dent- CM candidature. Did you see “We are going to come     Famous for not mincing ed and brought up here. I have ed its prospects. But recently, the writing on wall that the out with a policy, an all India   !  "  her words, the veteran spent my entire political career speculation about alliance party will not do well? policy.   % " "&   Congress leader believes her here. So for me it is a come- with the AAP has been doing “It was not about seeing the The immediate target is the  '       party will bounce back to back. Whatever I can do for my the rounds. And in fact, this writing on the wall. I had Lok Sabha polls, not the city         power on its own strength, and party and to Delhi, I will be is one of the covert reasons for taken a time out from active election. Right now, I am very ( '     ) is dead against stitching up any very happy to do it. I didn’t seek Ajay Maken’s resignation politics as I was the Governor enthused with the fact that peo- (      $ pre-poll alliance, ruling out it (the Delhi Congress chief from State unit chief post. of Kerala, and when I came ple are showing confidence in any truck with the Kejriwal-led post), I got it. And I didn’t reject What is your take on alliance? back from there (to UP) I the Congress. " #   Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in it; in fact, I welcomed it.” “I am not for any kind of thought it was not the right I have seen it in the last    $ Delhi for the forthcoming Lok Now, as head of the Delhi alliance with the AAP at all. As time for me to enter active pol- two days as there has been long %&    *+  Sabha elections. In an interview Congress, what future do you a party we have lost one or two itics. It was party’s decision to queues here (her residence). ,    to The Pioneer’s Swarn Kumar envision for the party in the elections. But it doesn’t matter; send me there. This shows that people are    #, Anand and Asad, Dikshit said Capital, say after one year, in as recently we won four elec- Yes, there was some again turning back to the ',    Congress’ prospects are bright 2020 Assembly polls? tions and I am sure we will assumption that the party will Congress as they don’t have    $ as people are growing weary of “You see, the future of the make a comeback. It project me as CM candidate, good experience with non- non-Congress Governments. Congress is bright. In Delhi, (Congress) is a traditional old but once they decided to go for Congress Governments.”  '() %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0 )           

( / ,-2&   ("BC &,    '   ' ' readed CPI (Maoists)           '    Dzonal commander Sahdeo Rai alias Tala Da, who was   7       /8+    main accused in murder of five       E+          policemen including the then   '  Pakur SP Amarjit Balihar in 2013, was killed in a fierce 1 A/           ' encounter with the police force                 near Chhatupada village under   '   '   F     1 Shikaripada police station '   -        area of Dumka on Sunday      morning. An AK-47 rifle, an INASA L.             $ rifle, magazines, cartridges and     ,2/- ' '  F  bags were recovered from the     M 1  place of encounter during the search operation. L             State government had     '  $2F    announced a reward of Rs 10  5       ' lakhs on Tala da who is a named accused in around 50 more extremists may have sus- arson which took place in extremists-related incidents in tained bullet injuries. Santhal Paragana area in recent the Santhal Paragana division. Blood stains were found at years. His squad is the only SP Dumka, YS Ramesh         !        -!    several places within a radius of Maoists unit operational in informed that a police team 200 meters from the encounter Santhal Paragana area. comprising of Seema Suraksha near Chhatupada with the retaliate. Around 500 rounds making it to believe that it was cer. carried out,” the Dumka SP site. The entire operation was We have killed two mem- Bal and the district police intention to commit crime. As were fired from both sides Tala Da. “Only two persons “We have called the rela- said. supervised by Dumka DIG Raj bers of the same squad in the launched an operation on police team neared the Maoists before the extremists escaped. including Tala Da and Vijay tives of Tala for identification It may be stated here that Kumar Lakra and the Dumka last six month. We are hope- Saturday night after receiving at around 7 AM on Sunday Police found body of the carried AK-47 in the squad and of the body. The due process police carried out combing SP. ful of annihilating the entire tipoff about the squad led by when the latter started firing, extremist along with an AK-47 the body is certainly not of prescribed by NHRC including operations with the help of dog “Tala is the main accused squad in the near future,” said Tala Da being present in forest leading the police force to rifle during search operation Vijay,” said a senior police offi- magisterial inquiry would be squad all day in the hope that of almost all murders and IG operations Asish Batra. 0  O   P ( &&" )* "&+ ,"- * *& +# (  2 % /& 72 Reiterating Tata Steel’s commitment towards environ-    *    he 9th edition of much- ment, Sanjay Kumar Singh said Tawaited Annual Flower and that Tata Steel is committed ( 7&/&1&2    by Kubri village. Vegetable Show hosted by Tata towards protection of envi- !!   Nonetheless, the dense for- Steel`s West Bokaro Division ronment and biodiversity con- he Central Reserve Police    ! est has made the task of secu- concluded on Sunday. servation. TForce (CRPF) and rity forces challenging. The The two-day show was "Annual Flower and police along with the Cobra #    Maoists may have laid land- inaugurated on Saturday at Vegetable Show is a good plat- battalion has launched a ‘cor-     mines in the forest but the Sports Complex, West Bokaro form to create awareness on the don and search’ operation in     police managed to pass them with a message of ‘Art in subject and involve the com- the dense forest of Madhuwan and continued the operation. Blooms’. During this pro- munity at large. We intend to and its neighbouring areas, now intensified the search Security forces had recov- gramme, various flowers and organize this event is a much following an encounter with operation in order to nab an ered huge domestic items in the vegetables were displayed by bigger scale from next time and Maoists at Kubri forest in ultra who was apparently forest on Saturday. Sources the West Bokaro township res- I request all for much more Giridih that took place on injured in the encounter. Police informed that commanders of idents, local samitis, vendors participation,” he said. Saturday. suspect that several ultras were the ultras from Bokaro, Giridih and school children at 42 stalls Among others dignitaries ASP Deepak Kumar hit during the encounter and and other areas including Ajay under institutional display and present on the occasion were informed that following a tip- some of them are getting treat- Mahto, Santosh Mahto and individual categories. Anurag Dixit, Chief, Quarry off regarding a meeting of ment under village doctors. Mithilesh Mahto were sup- On the occasion the stalls SE, Tata Steel (West Bokaro), Maoists to be held near Kubri Superintendent of police posed to attend a meeting in showcased a variety of plants BV Sudhir Kumar, Chief, Coal forest, a search operation was (SP) Giridih, S.K.Jha said, Kubri but their plan was foiled including flowers, bonsai, veg- Beneficiation, Tata Steel (West launched to trace them. “As “Intensive combing operation by the police. etables and also landscaping Bokaro) and other senior offi- soon as the joint team of dis- is going on in several areas of SP said, “The police of with potted plants and innov- cials of Tata Steel along with trict police, Kobra battalion and Madhuwan including Kubri. several police stations are keep- ative landscape. A separate their spouses. The event was 154 battalion of CRPF reached We are also using bikes to ing a close watch on the area for arena for sales offered rare other dignitaries present Sangh and Ranjana Singh. Noamundi or West Bokaro. “I coordinated by the the spot, Maoists started firing. speed up the operation”. the past several days following species of plants and garden included Sanjay Kumar Singh, Appreciating the efforts of am happy to see the involve- Environment Department of This was retaliated by firing ASP Deepak Kumar reports of Maoist movement.” materials. general manager (Coal), Tata Tata Steel, Dr Vijay Shankar ment of students from various Tata Steel West Bokaro from security forces, but the informed that the blood stain The spot of the encounter The programme was inau- Steel, Sahabji Kuchroo, chief Dubey said that such events are schools in this event and Division led by Dr Manoj Maoists succeeded to escape,” found on various spots in the lies on a ‘Maoist-corridor’ con- gurated by Dr Vijay Shankar operations (West Bokaro), Tata only organized by Tata Steel in enthralled to see the innovation Kumar Gupta, Head, he said. forest proves that the injured necting the Kubri forest to the Dubey, Divisional Forest Steel, Mohan Mahto, President, its various operational loca- they have shown in their art Environment and Forest, Tata The security forces have Maoists have fled towards near- Parasnath hills. Officer (DFO), Ramgarh while Rashtriya Colliery Mazdoor tions, be it Jamshedpur, and craft,” he added. Steel (West Bokaro). +,$+ (         ! P   # 4    '       '        O&       (-   $'           5    (-  " # $% %& ""'         '$L2  '     '   M ( / ,-2& cal arena, we have to suffer.”   $ He demanded the chief harkhand BJP leader and minister Shri Raghuvar Das    8 8K4P(   $   JNational Vice President of and senior officials of the    & -44-J -     the Bhartiya Vaishya Vaishya organization that       '  $'  Mahasabha, Dr. Umesh Gupta, members from Vaishya com- '     '      @    said on Sunday that despite 40 munity should be ensured par- /    ,    $  #  5 percent population of Vaishya ticipation in the upcoming , (       '  society being in Jharkhand, Lok Sabha and the Vidhan    $ there is not a single member Sabha election. from Vaishya Samaj in Lok “A delegation of Bhartiya  $    2    Sabha or Rajya Sabha from the Vaishyas Mahasabha will meet 5 A 5 /  ''     B* state. He said, “Vaishya Samaj the CM in this regard. A mem-       8B        is the leader in social work orandum will be submitted    8B  *+$  '    throughout the country and is and if necessary, we will go to  8B- "1         also the forefront of giving of the country. However, when New Delhi and talk to the          '  5 $ revenue in the economic sector it comes to sharing the politi- national office bearers,” he said. + , $   $  $ -./0 $  

( 0/5 ,,-%%%, !3,-%(  ,% :,%.,-,-%(& . uperintendent of Police (SP), &;%.,-%,)!% ::) , SBokaro convened a meeting )=: %&:%  ) ,-% with senior police officers to :) :% %.>)*:%&,,)  %& ( 1 #,7 , review city’s law and order sit- &        uation on Sunday. SP Kartik S ered,” he said. n 18-wheel container truck   #    !   scanned police station wise According to police Aloaded with plastic sheets criminal cases, arrest of anti- sources two more women caught fire in Chainpur block M.     social elements and also police stations were made of Palamu early morning on    P!01   reviewed the Naxal activities in active and 112 cases out of 130 Sunday, when it came in con-  ! !    Bermo sub-division. mobiles snatching incidents tact with high transmission Bokaro SP said that the law were solved in 2018. Also, May lines.       and order situation in the I Help you, Tiger mobile and A fire brigade van which !      ! N Bokaro is absolutely under Sakti App have been fully acti- reached Chainpur from control. “We have succeeded to vated. Daltonganj doused the fire arrest 11 gangsters and 546 At the meeting, the SP after huge efforts, as the flames in contact with the overhead Vinod Sao in Chainpur. criminals convicted in a total of interacted with the DSPs and on the container were as high electricity transmission lines.” The owner of the contain- 271 cases in one year. Also, 17 asked them to give an account as 15 feet. He added, “The driver er who is from Haryana is on criminals accused of rape have of crime scenario in their con- Sunit Kumar, inspector should not have negotiated way to Chainpur, informed been convicted and 14 accused cerned police station areas. cum officer in charge of this narrow route.” police. were convicted under POCSO SP said the police have to Chainur police station said, However, driver and his Meanwhile, the driver is in  ,   *  2   -! 3    *     !     act. Last year 77 coal mafias be pro-active in stopping “The container was burnt due apprentice remained unhurt. a state of shock and unable   4.       .-  !," !     ! !   were arrested and 25 arms and crimes like snatching, theft, loot to driver’s fault. Had he been The container had plastic to talk much about the inci- ( * 82 stolen motorbikes recov- and arms-peddling in the city. careful it would not have come consignment from Kolkata for dent.                                                                                                                                                !        "                                            #            $ % S                      '                "       (          

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.    leader in agricultural research 6   #  farming techniques. On the and development (R&D).     occasion he announced that the N5  During the interactive ses- women farmers after getting sion with the Chief Minister   !     advanced training at Israel will OH-5 Raghubar Das and senior !    work as ‘Master Trainers’ at bureaucrats, Amrita Kumari, a their respective districts. ( / ,-2& female farmer said that she was # 7  ! # Agriculture Secretary, Puja overwhelmed to hear that she      Singhal said that earlier 54 aking a giant leap in pro- has been selected in the women male farmers were sent to Tviding equal opportunities team going to Israel. all possible assistance to nur- Israel in two batches, who are to women workforce and with “For the first time, I am ture their aspirations.” now imparting training among an aim to link the farming going out of my country. I am Das encouraged the team the farmers of their districts. community of Jharkhand with excited and will try to learn to develop curiosity and learn “The women delegation going the new age farming technol- advanced agro techniques new agro-technology for the to Israel is accompanied by ogy, 24 women farmers of the there,” she said. Similarly, a better outcome. “Following the women officials. So far, the State were sent to Israel on a woman farmer from Khunti vision of PM Narendra Modi, experience have been enriching five-day trip on Sunday. district said that after return- the state has achieved 14% for the farmers. The women The women farmers will ing, she will impart training to agricultural growth rate with- team too will gain knowledge study and gather inputs about other women farmers of her in four years. Soon, Jharkhand out of this trip and will emerge advance farming practices dur- district for better agricultural will emerge as the leader in as role models in their respec- ing their trip. This is for the first yield. agro-sector,” he said. tive districts,” she said. time that to nurture the skills On the occasion CM said, The CM motivated the Agriculture Minister of women farmers, such a tour “The women workforce of team and advised the women Randhir Singh, Principal has been organised by the Jharkhand has always proved farmers to collect inputs about Secretary to CM Sunil Kumar Government of Jharkhand their mettle. Women are doing cooperative farming, drip irri- Barnwal among other digni- (GoJ). incredibly well in all the sectors. *   - ,  *  2             *:     gation system, dairy culture, taries were present on the Notably, Israel is a world The government will provide     %     ( * pisciculture including organic occasion. 1.... 2  2    ;<  &P!      %     * $ 2 $  3!&4 ( ( $  / ,-2& rom a unique model of affordable Fmini-air cooler to smart helmet for safeguarding the lives of riders and an ( ( / 2&-2050.&## given for cultivation purposes innovation that can generate electrici- such as purchase of fertilizer ty from sewage gas, students of various t least 90 thousand farmers -550,-06/5 and seeds aiming to make the government schools showcased their Aacross Bokaro will soon get 6&, ,-& #A0 / farmers independent. models covering a numerous scientif- benefits under Mukhyamantri This financial assistance ic domains on the premises of Zila Krishi Ashirwad Yojana *+8I"*+&,(2 /&6 will be transfer in the benefi- School, Ranchi on Sunday. (MKAY). Bokaro Deputy ciaries’ account through Direct As many as 208 scientific models Commissioner MK Barnawal 0 , ,120 Benefits Transfer (DBT) mode. selected at school level science exhibi- issued a directive on 6&, ,-& # Under this scheme gov- tions organized across the state were dis- Sunday to his officials direct- ernment will also provide crop played at state-level competition of ing them to prepare a database & ,-0.&## loans at zero per cent interest Innovation in Science Pursuit for of the beneficiaries at the ear- rate, said the official. Inspired Research (Inspire Award – liest. 07&J0,6/ “This is a very good move Manak). “I have asked the officials -#&J &, of the government and will 'The top 21 models having unique to make sure that none of the prove to be a boon for us,” said components have been selected to farmers are left out. /0-2  Anand Mahato, farmer of compete at the national level competi- The aim of this scheme is Chandaha Village at tion, to be held in mid February. to make farmers self-depen- /-2 06 Chandankiyari. “The Young scientists from the govern- dent,” Barnwal said. 60/&#&%0/ ,1 announcement of this scheme ment schools between the age group of Chief Minister Raghubar was beyond our expectations, 10 to 15 years participated in the com- Das had announced this 001 &5&,7 we are feeling very happy now,” petition and shared their ideas. scheme on December 21, 2018, he added. “My model, ‘Sensor Street Light’, is wherein farmers will get Rs 5 (0206 /50/ “By implementing this inspired from the hi-tech system adopt- 5000 per acre for their crops, &,100,10, scheme, government is pro- ed in a few developed countries. said an official adding, “The viding us a huge relief,” said The model works on light and objective of the scheme is to Ranjan Kumar, another farmer sound technology and can be helpful in double-up the farmers’ income “If a farmer has less than of Bagda villager under Kasmar smart surveillance system,” said in next four years.” 1 acre of agricultural land then block of the district. Shubham Kumar from Government (R&D), more than 10 students of var- Regional deputy director of educa- ed and patented. Explaining this scheme the he will be eligible for the min- “Along with the increase in High School, Dhanbad. Similarly, ious government schools of the state tion, South Chotanagpur Division cum A state level committee will be con- official said that small and imum support amount of crop production, this scheme another aspiring scientist, Aayush have got the opportunity to travel State Nodal Officer (Inspire Award) – stituted soon to compile the details of marginal farmers who have 5,000,” he said. will also give a boost in the Kumar Thakur from Sahibganj who aboard and get first hand inputs about Ashok Kumar Sharma said, “With all selected candidates who have been maximum up to 5 acres of agri- This scheme will com- agricultural employment which came up with the concept of electrici- the latest scientific developments, since every passing year, the competition is selected for national level competition cultural land will get the finan- mence from financial year will ultimately reduce the ty generation from sewage gas said that the commencement of the Inspire gaining tremendous response of the till date. cial support of 5,000 per acre 2019-20 in Kharif season and migration from the district,” the model has been designed based on awards. participants. Till last year, the entries Sharma informed that the com- for cultivation purposes. the financial assistance will be DC said. Bernoulli’s theory. “The model can Additional secretary, department of did not exceed 150 but this is for the first mittee will have government officials, prove to be immensely beneficial in school education and literacy, Shailesh time 208 creative models were displayed academicians and a few personnel reducing power consumption as this Kumar Chaulasia acknowledged the in the state level competition.” from Corporate Social Responsibility technique can be used for street lights efforts of the budding scientists and Sharma informed that the nation- (CSR) wing of different companies to +  !    and other electrical devices,” he said. In assured all possible support to the stu- al competition will be organised in further nurture the scientific tempera- a bid to create a critical human resource dents who will represent Jharkhand in February at IIT- Delhi, where top 60 ment of talented children, who often pool which will ultimately expand the the upcoming Inspire national level models among the hundreds of entries have to face several stumbling blocks 4 ! %! 5  base of the research and development competition. from across the country will be select- despite having adequate knowledge. &+#%"  % )*  %53 2 (2     

* /"& $% "! #"/%&,#      , Pandey informed that the M8   ! to put in complaints and sug- class 11 said, “It was a won- Khunti SP, Alok, has assured     gestions. derful experience for us to he students of Kasturba them that the police would be    “We have told the students share our demands with some- TGandhi Balika Vidyalaya providing sports kit to these that they can put in written one who would listen to us. (KGBV) Kalamati situated in students through its commu- !   complaints in the box anony- Getting skill training will help Khunti district will soon get a nity policing funds.   ! mously and the complaints us in long run and we will be number of skill development However, the students also ! ! would be addressed. We are able to become independent trainings. demanded new blazers, which   08  hoping that this will help them individuals when we finish IPS Officers’ Wives IPSOWA would be providing.  #!! open up about their problems,” schooling.” Association (IPSOWA) along “There are around 380 students  !    Pandey said. Rishi Kant of Shakti with social organization Shakti in the school and     ! N A health camp will also be Vahini, which is a partner in Vahini and Khunti district we will be providing blazers for organized at the school on the project, said that if suc- administration is all set to pro- each of them within the next 10 planted in the January 23 and 24. cessful, the project will be vide skill training like pottery, days. garden of the school, through The students were excited implemented at other govern- stitching, beautician, comput- Also, blazers will be pro- which students will be given to get a chance to interact ment schools as well. er operators and much more to vided to the staff at the school training in farming of medic- with the IPSOWA members Caption: IPSOWA mem- the students of this school including teachers, warden and inal plants. and requested them to contin- bers and officials of district under 'Chetna' project. security persons,” Pandey said. This apart, a pink drop box ue visiting the school on a reg- administration interacting with President of IPSOWA The IPSOWA members was installed in the school ular basis. students of KGBV Kalamati in Poonam Pandey said that the got herbal medication saplings where the students were asked Seema Kumari, a student of Khunti. step has been taken to ensure that once the students complete their education, they have a backup plan for earning a decent livelihood. - 678 9,& !  ,2 , 3 !   %0   “We want the girls to be self dependent and learn skills ( / ,-2& as a healthy body possesses a sound mind.” other than their regular edu- The walkathon was organised at 8 am and cation. This will help them ndia’s major industrial defense power, Central all section of the society participated in it, includ- develop self confidence and be IIndustrial Security Force (CISF) started plan- ing members of other military forces, para mil- prepared for the future. We tation of five lakh saplings on Sunday, during itary forces and the State police force. want this school to be devel- its golden jubilee celebration. Informing people about CISF, Kumar said, oped as a model school,” she IG, CISF Eastern Sector Headquarters, “CISF came in to being on March 10, 1969 under said. Anil Kumar, led the walkathon organized by Central Industrial Security Force Act-1968 and The skill training classes CISF on the occasion, which was flagged off by from a modest strength of 3,000 personnel at the would be organized twice every Director General (HQs), Jharkhand Police time of its inception, the CISF has grown to size- week for students of class 9 to PRK Naidu. able number of 1,53,000 at present. As the gov- 12. However, students from 6 s Anil Kumar informed that to mark the ernment enhanced its ceiling to 1, 80,000 in to 8, who are interested in the occasion a number of cultural and social pro- 2016, CISF will see further expansion soon.” trainings, would be allowed to grammes like walkathon, marathon, cleanliness Kumar further informed that across the sit through at least one class a drive, blood donation, security programmes, country, as many as 341 units cover diversified week. seminars and much more have been organized areas like Atomic Energy and Space Installation, The IPSOWA members in various cities across the country. Sea-ports, Steel Plants, Coal fields, Hydroelectric had visited the school on two Speaking on the occasion, Kumar appealed and thermal power plants, Defense production consecutive days, Saturday and to the force members to not just be personally units, Fertilizer and Chemical industries, Note Sunday, to interact with the fit but also ensure that others around them are printing press, Heritage monuments and oth- girls and know their demands. fit to meet any challenges in their lives. ers. Besides this, CISF has deployed its troops “The girls wanted science Chief guest of the programme Naidu said, at 59 major airports of the country. teachers in the school and also “CISF has been doing an excellent job for the “The force also provides security to very wanted new computers. The nation by securing its vital economic and important persons through its elite and spe- deputy commissioner, Suraj strategic installations, which are the temple of cialized Special Security Group (SSG) com- Kumar, who was there at the modern India.” mandos. The broadening of charter of duties and school, was very helpful and He added, “A person needs to be healthy and responsibilities in the year 2009 has brought pri- assured that these demands fit and they should also spread awareness vate sector establishment under the security would be met soon,” Pandey among society to build a healthy and fit nation cover of CISF as well,” he added. said. %53           2 (2  2  %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0  '(:   5 2    6

( / ,-2&4 5201/ Guru," said Giani Iqbal Singh, a Sikh leader. evotees in Ranchi and The devotees also chanted DJamshedpur lined up at numerous prayers while walk- Gurudwaras on Sunday to ing along the chariot. In dare- immerse themselves in the devil acts to depict victory colours of devotion on the over evil, Sikh martial art forms occasion of 352nd 'Parkash like the 'Gatka' were also per- Parab', the birth anniversary of formed by trained profession- 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind als. Singh. Guru Gobind Singh was Born in Patna, on the last of the ten Gurus, the December 22, 1666, Guru one who transformed the Sikh Gobind Singh was the son of faith. In 1699 he created the Guru Tegh Bahadur, who Khalsa (Pure), a community of devoted his life to protect reli- the faithful who wore visible gious freedom. To protect the symbols of their faith and people from being oppressed, trained as warriors. Today the Guru Gobind Singh estab- Khalsa comprises all practicing lished the 'Khalsa Panth' in the Sikhs. year 1699. A two-day congregation The devotees participated has been organised at Sakchi in special prayer ceremonies. Gurudwara in which the par- Free langars (holy kitchen) ticipants of religious procession were also arranged and prasad would be felicitated based on (holy food) was distributed to their performances. mark the occasion. Meanwhile, Tusu, a tribal Speaking on the occasion, festival, was also observed Punjabi-Hindu Biradari !   !         $   $       across the state on Sunday. Spokesperson, Annu Chawla Speaking about the festival, said, “Guru Gobind Singh gious celebrations and prayer- cession.” city to inculcate the values of Gurudwara under the aegis of Sakchi Gurudwara in the tenth guru of Sikhs with hap- Kurumali Language Council inspired people with his knowl- sand seek the blessings of Guru At all most all the gurud- Guru Gobind Singh among Central Gurudwara evening after moving through piness and fervour. Like every president, Raja Ram Mahto edge of philosophy, his princi- Gobind Singh. People share waras in Jamshedpur, recita- the devotees on the occasion Prabandhak Committee various areas. year we are taking out a reli- said, “The unmarried girls ples, and bravery.” sweets and cold drinks (most- tions of sacred Gurubani were held. (CGPC), the apex body of "We are celebrating the gious procession and chanting make statue of Tusu and wor- He added, “On this day, ly sherbet) among the adults Keertans (holy hymns) by A religious procession was Sikhs in Jamshedpur. The pro- 'Prakash Utsav' Guru Gobind prayers to celebrate the birth ship it. The festival celebrates devotees participate in reli- and children, during the pro- renowned Sikh preachers of the taken out from Kitadih cession would culminate at Singh's birth anniversary, the anniversary of our revered respect for women.” -  5 $      ! 7.       !%%

  $   ( ,0.10#2& Singh didn’t hesitate while sharing such information to his  :   he Rajasthan police on so called ‘friend’. Once he *  ** TFriday night arrested an revealed the information, Army jawan posted in Anika started blackmailing ( -2 ,1&7 /2 Jaisalmer after he was alleged- him. Bhubaneswar: Tension ran auxiliary nurse midwifery of ly honey-trapped by a Pakistan- Military intelligence housands of devotees high on Sunday after a minor the institute, two cook-cum- based ISI operative whom he sources claimed that Singh had Tthronged Gurdwaras across student of a state-run tribal attendants and one warden met on the Facebook. even started accepting money Punjab, Haryana, Himachal residential school in Odisha's were dismissed while three The jawan has been in lieu of information. Pradesh and Chandigarh on Kandhamal district delivered women Assistant accused of passing crucial However, a trail of only Rs Sunday to offer prayers on the a baby girl in her hostel, offi- Superintendents were sus- information to the Pakistani 5,000 has been established till occasion of 352nd birth cials said. pended for dereliction of duty. agent. now. anniversary of tenth Sikh mas- The Kandhamal district The district administra- The Pakistani agent under Sources said Anika had ter, Guru Gobind Singh. administration took action tion has recommended that the assumed name of Anika not only been flirting just with Guru Gobind Singh (1666- against nine persons in con- the state government initiate Chopra claimed to be an Army him but around 50 other sol- 1708) is revered by the Sikh nection with the incident. action against the head- Captain of the Military Nursing diers who are suspected to community as he founded the The 14-year-old girl, a mistress of the residential high Corps and in her profile picture have disguised their identities 'Khalsa Panth', the warrior student of Class 8, delivered school. she is seen wearing a green on Facebook. These soldiers are Sikh community, at Anandpur the baby in the school hostel The SC and ST saree with a pretty smile on her being questioned by a joint Sahib in 1699. on Saturday night, Kandhamal Development Minister face. team of Rajasthan ATS and The holiest of Sikh shrines District Welfare Officer Ramesh Majhi said the Fifty more jawans are military intelligence. 'Harmandir Sahib', popularly (DWO) Charulata Mallick Kandhamal Collector has been under the scanner of intelli- Singh’s questioning has known as Golden Temple in said. asked to conduct a probe into gence agencies. revealed that Anika used to Amritsar and other Gurdwaras The school is run by the the matter. The honey trapping inci- give each jawan a specific time elsewhere saw religious fervour SC (scheduled caste) and ST The Minister said appro- dent comes even as the intelli- Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) Singh, who hails from from a Jammu number and for chatting with them. to mark the Guru's birth (scheduled tribe) development priate action would be taken gence agencies had in the past that Chopra was a Pakistani Rohtak, was flattered when a continued for months, trigger- Honey-trapping remains anniversary. department of Odisha. after the inquiry report is sub- flagged concerns over such agent who had honey-trapped lady officer approached him ing alarm bells in the covert the most-favoured tool of the The entire Golden Temple "The girl was raped eight mitted. tactics of the ISI. not just Singh many other fel- with a friend request. The rela- agency. Subsequent tracking of ISI and the problem has been complex was decorated with months ago at her village. She Earlier, irate local resi- Sepoy Somveer Singh, low soldiers as well. Singh who tionship between the two soon Singh’s Facebook chats revealed compounded by instant mes- special lighting. Long queues of couldn't reveal it out of fear dents staged a road blockade posted with an armoured unit is married claimed that he did turned so intimate that Singh that Anika was operating from saging platforms. devotees were seen waiting for and shame. The main accused on National Highway-59, in Jaisalmer, was arrested after not know of Chopra’s is said to have even made up his Pakistan. Army Chief Bipin Rawat up to two hours to offer prayers has been detained," demanding action against the he was caught sharing sensitive antecedents till she started mind to divorce his wife and It began with, Anika asking had last year flagged concerns inside the main shrine. Kandhamal Superintendent of culprit. The blockade was information and pictures of his blackmailing him. marry Anika. Oblivious from him questions that seemed over the trend, saying the men The festivities this year Police Prateek Singh told withdrawn after police location and army exercises Singh had met Anika on the surveillance on him, Singh innocent - where are you post- in uniform had been coincided with the festivals of media persons. detained a youth, named as the with the Pakistani agent. Facebook in 2016 shortly after was being tracked by the MI ed? Can you send a picture of approached online by people 'Lohri' and 'Makar Sankranti'. Following the incident, as accused in the case. It was clear to both military being commissioned into the after regular phone calls on his your tank? When is the field with fake profiles of Bollywood Heavy rush of devotees many as two matrons, one IANS intelligence and to Rajasthan Army. number were being received firing taking place? actresses. were also seen at the Takht Keshgarh Sahib Gurdwara in Anandpur Sahib town. It was at ,  % '+ #    this place that Guru Gobind       '5   'H1 Singh founded the 'Khalsa Panth'. (  5 #/ BJD and its supremo and Chief under whose leadership it can 0   !=     '  ;>  Hundreds of people also Minister Naveen Patnaik win elections and, thus, the offered prayers at Gurdwara JD observer for Sambalpur because of the State Prime Minister Narendra Modi Nada Sahib in Panchkula, Band Rajya Sabha member Government’s pro-people poli- is coming every 15 days to 4 ( ,  1 staging a demonstration at the has an ayacut area of 9,920 sequence, the irrigation poten- adjoining Chandigarh, where Pratap Deb has strongly criti- cy and programmes,” Deb said Odisha for campaigning. zero head canal point near hectares out of which 810 tial has come down affecting the Guru stayed for a few days cised the BJP stating that, due to while addressing a public meet- Alleging that the BJP has housands of farmers of five Panchampur village for the hectares belong to the irrigated area during Rabi during his lifetime. Religious lack of proper leaders in Odisha, ing held at Hirakud on Saturday failed in fulfilling assurances and Tgram panchayats of last 20 days demanding equal Chhattisgarh. But due to season. To address this prob- processions were taken out at the saffron party has been total- night. promises made to the people Nuapada district, who benefit- distribution of water among all restriction imposed by the lem, the Pani Panchayats had all places in the region on ly depending on the Prime Making a mockery of the during the last elections, Deb ed from the Upper Jonk the farmers of the ayacut area Forest and Environment arrived at a water distribution Friday and Saturday to mark Minister to campaign for it. BJP and its leaders, Deb said the said “Odisha people are not Irrigation Project to cultivate of the project. The project, Department, the water storage agreement to provide equal the birth anniversary. “The people are with the BJP has no leader in the State fool, they know who is what.” Rabi crops till 2010, have been locally known as Patora, dam has been reduced and, as a con- benefit to all farmers.  ;1 '<  !      4 4 #

4 (  It is a now amid a bustling Lakshmana temple, which is to rest and acclimatise them- neyed through the Himalayas 102/ 1, town. It retains tangible mem- also in the same premises as selves for higher altitudes. to search for it. When he saw ories of Guru Gobind Singh in Hemkund, also reopens for Hemkund lake near the a beautiful lake, he started to wo years ago, the 350th the form of his weapons and his worship on June 1 with the tra- Gurudwara is encircled by count the peaks which sur- TPrakash Parv of Guru wooden "kalams" (pens). ditional Pooja-Archana.Mid- seven snow clad peaks and rounded it, wondering if this Gobind Singh was celebrated The Gurudwara has been August is the peak time of the reflects them beautifully on its could be the place described in the world over. Sunday marked built on the spot where Guru Hemkund Sahib yatra. crystal- clear serene waters. Bachitar Natak. As he was his 352nd birth anniversary. Gobind Singh dismounted It is not easy to walk the Guru Gobind Singh wrote in counting, he heard a voice This is an apt occasion to from his horse after arriving at path of the Lord. A “shabad” in one of his works that he had behind him say, "O Khalsa, kid- remember the deep connection Paonta. Sukhmani Sahib says, “Charan meditated on the bank of this har se aye ho (from where did his life, in his birth as Gobind After arriving in the erst- Chalo Marag Gobind, Mitey lake in one of his earlier births. you come)? Kya dhundhte ho Singh and in an earlier birth, while Nahan state in 1685 Paap japiye Har bind” (walk in The story is recounted in (for what do you search)?" had with this mountainous from Anandpur Shaib on the the way of the Lord, Sins are Bachitar Natak, which rough- Sohan Singh turned and saw a region. invitation of Raja Medni washed away, chanting the ly translated means ‘Amazing’ tall rishi (hermit) clad all in The two sites that are were Prakash of Nahan, the Guru Lord’s name, even for a ‘Beatific’ or ‘Unique Drama’ - white. He had a long beard, his abode are that of Paonta surveyed the area and when he moment ). an autobiography attributed to heavy eyelids, and a face so Sahib and Hemkund Sahib, set eyes on the place where the This perfectly describes Guru Gobind Singh himself radiant that Sohan Singh was the first close to Uttarakhand present Paonta township is the Hemkund Sahib Yatra. and included in the Dasam unable to look at him eye to and the second within it. located, he was fascinated by From the Golden Temple in Granth. In poetic language, eye. So he bowed his head Paunta is in Himachal the landscape on the western Amritsar, a large group of Sikh the author alludes to the place before the rishi and said, "Baba Pradesh, located just across the bank of the Yamuna river and devotees reaches Hemkund on from which the Guru was Ji, Mai Guru Gobind Singh ka Uttarakhand- Himachal decided to settle there.He built foot every year and is given a called by God: tap asthan dhundhne aya Pradesh border. It is a religious a fort and a cantonment for his rousing welcome at the shrine. Hemkund Parvat Hai Jahan hoon". The rishi gestured to a and cultural meeting point for army and founded the city of It takes the group from Sapat Shring sobhit Hai flat stone beside the water and people of both mountain states. Paonta which means “space for Amritsar a month to walk to Tahan. said that this was the place at During the Hemkund a foothold”(Stirrup). Soon, the Tehri then set up Ram Rai in aged Ram Rai. It was here that stream called Himganga flows Hemkund! The trek to the Sapat Shring Tahan Nam which the Guru had sat for so Sahib Yatra every year, pil- city became a centre of literary the valley which came to be Guru Gobind Singh composed out of the lake. Guru Gobind shrine passes through some Kahava. long in deep meditation. "Go grims, mostly from Punjab, and cultural activity. known “Dera Doon” (camp in most of his poetic works.Fifty Singh wrote in one of his works breathtaking stretches like the Pandu Raj Jahan Yog and bow your head." Sohan Delhi and Haryana, visit It is an interesting fact that the valley” and subsequently, two poets adorned his “Kavi that he had meditated on the one along Hem Ganga. At an Kamaya. Singh hastened to go, with his Paonta either before going up before this happened, Guru Dehradun. Darbar” which can be seen bank of this lake in one of his altitude of 1828 metres above Tahan Hum Adhik Tapasya eyes filled with tears of joy. The to Hemkund or on their way Ram Rai had already set up his Paonta is just fifty kilome- even today at Paonta. The earlier births.The site was dis- sea level and 18 kilometres Sadhi. ecstasy of fulfillment after a two back from Hemkund. “Dera” on the eastern side of ters away from Doon. Ram Rai Guru held many a poetic sym- covered by a Sikh Havaldar, from Joshimath lies Gobind Mahan Kal Kalika Aradhi. year search left him somewhat The Guru’s association the Yamuna in Doon. He had sent several messages to posium at this place. Historians Sohan Singh and became a Ghat from where the motor Ehi Bidhi Karat Tapaya dazed. Nevertheless, when he with these two places brings to been removed from the line of Gobind Singh and expressed recorded that the Guru also set major pilgrimage centre only road branches into two-one ris- Bhaya. recovered a bit and resolved to mind many interesting facts. Sikh Gurus as he had per- his desire to have a glimpse of up an armoury at Paonta. after 1930. It is also believed ing steeply as a pathway lead- Dwai Te Ek Rup Hwai ask the rishi more questions the Paonta Sahib is on the banks of formed ‘miracles’ in the court him. The Guru conceded his Higher up, the glaciers that Lakshman meditated by ing to Ghangharia at a height Gayo. holy man had disappeared. Yamuna, a shrine dedicated to of Aurangzeb (a thing prohib- request and came personally to from Hathi Parvat and this lake and regained health of 3048 metres. The other goes Hemkund Sahib, at 4329 the tenth Sikh guru, Gobind ited by the religion).Aurangzeb receive him in midstream Saptrishi peaks feed the after being wounded by to Badrinath. The pilgrims to Sohan Singh, a retired metres, is the highest Sigh, who spent five years here. and his friend Fateh Shah of Yamuna and embraced the Hemkund lake and a small Meghnad, son of Ravana. The Hemkund stop at Ghangharia granthi from the army, jour- Gurudwara in the world. %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0  (= /R    6   *     $ )$ *  

(  ,0.10#2& withdrew troops. The report stated that these 44 strategically   '   1 he Government will con- roads along the India-China Tstruct 44 strategic roads border will be constructed at a along the border with China cost of nearly 21,000 crore.   ,0.10#2& and over 2,100 km of axial and “The CPWD has been lateral roads in Punjab and entrusted with construction of error is rising in India as Rajasthan, abutting Pakistan, a 44 strategically important roads Tthe country slipped to 7th CPWD document shows. along the Indo-China Border rank in 2018 from 8th rank in According to an annual spanning 5 states of J&K, the previous year, according to report (2018-19) released ear- Himachal Pradesh, the 2018 Global Terrorism lier this month by the Central Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Index of the prestigious Public Works Department, the Arunachal Pradesh,” the report Institute for Economics & agency has been asked to con- stated. Peace. struct 44 “strategically impor- “The total Cost of work as Iraq figures at the top in the tant” roads along the India- per DPRs (Detailed Project list followed by Afghanistan, China border to ensure quick Reports) is 21,040 crores Nigeria, Syria, Pakistan and mobilisation of troops in case (approx.),” the report stated It Somalia which stands at the of a conflict. said the process of approval of sixth position, all in the “very The nearly 4,000-km-long DPRs by the Cabinet high” category in terms of Line of Actual Control (LAC) Committee on Security (CCS), impact. Yemen, Egypt and between India and China headed by Prime Minister ..4+5+>.,. Phillippines are the three other touches areas from Jammu & Narendra Modi, is underway.  B+++" " '#  -  K# -L &  -   nations in the world’s top ter- Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh The CPWD report also  )(             -''  @  ror hit countries of the world The report comes at a time stated that lateral and axial  ' &   which are in the “high” impact China is giving a priority to roads measuring over 2,100 category. projects along its India borders. kilometers will be built with a -.1               '*8++      Total deaths in India due to Last year, Indian and cost of around 5,400 crore in      EB++ /@   @ ' & "   terrorism since 2001 have been Chinese troops engaged in a Rajasthan and Punjab along the 8,123 and the Communist C=! %&,,-%,)> ror incidentsin India, or 53 per face-off at the Doklam tri- Indo-Pakistan border. The 1/ @    -.1  @   '   Party of India (Maoist) remains cent of the deaths in 2017. The junction after the neighbouring DPRs for this project are under -  7  the most potent terror group ,-%*&,=)**)%. Maoists…directly oppose country had begun building a preparation in CPWD, which responsible for most number of =!- &, 3!% 3 Prime Minister Narendra road in the area. The standoff is a major construction agency cost 3,700 crores) and 482 km secure the vast and remote bor- Kashmir (1,225 km, which deaths followed by Pakistan-  3(;&,  . Modi’s administration and the ended on August 28 following of the Central Government. of lateral roads and 219 km of der areas of Rajasthan and includes 740 km of Line of based Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and nationalist Bharatiya Janata a mutual agreement under “A total of 945 km of later- axial roads in Punjab (tentative Punjab, it stated. India’s border Control), Rajasthan (1,037 )*-:-&, .&,  Jaish-e-Mohammad. While ,-%&,->)&,) 3** Party (BJP). Maoist assailants which China stopped con- al roads and 533 km of axial cost 1,750 crores),” it stated. with Pakistan runs through km), Punjab (553 km) and United Nations has banned frequently stage attacks against struction of the road and India roads lie in Rajasthan (tentative The road projects will four States — Jammu and Gujarat (508 km). the JeM, the global body’s ,-%M% -!-N the Central Reserve Police efforts to ban the Pakistani out- :,%!)  ,% &)= Force (CRPF) and other armed fit’s chief Maulana Masood >:,+%% 3!>, forces throughout the country’s , > +> 64 Azhar have been repeatedly  .(-**>> %& %,-% northern and central territo-  '7   8   blocked by China. ,- %%),-%  ,) & ries,” says the report. “China’s move is more The north Indian state of   $ curious in view of the fact that ,-%) *.P&,)>,% ) -, Jammu and and Kashmir had its operatives are increasingly :) , %&)=,-%) *. the most deaths in 2017, with 9  5     targeting Chinese assets in the -:- % ,-%M-!-N 102 deaths committed by five $   & China-Pakistan Economic >:,:,%!)  different terror groups, most Corridor. The JeM leadership notably LeT, JeM and Hizbul ( ,0.10#2& feels China is aiding Pakistan Mujahideen. ),0"5:)>* ,&)= in anti-Islamic activities by business. The CPI (Maoist) also fig- 3$ .% ,&%% ,&>% ,  ! nly 73 judges out of the pressurizing it to take action This implies that the terror ures at the 8th position in the ,)  .-% * O670 judges serving in var- against jehadis in CPEC. Jehad groups have devised strategies Index of top 10 perpetrators  4  ,0.10#2& %.: %&8> ).:,&-% ious High Courts are women, is considered holy and Islamic to hit the uniformed personnel organisations that staged 1416 %%  %:%%..  !,-% the Government has informed by the terror group,” counter- even as the police and military major attacks between 1970 to Parliamentary panel has >% ).= )> *3"/?,) a Parliamentary Committee. At terrorism expert Dr Rituraj are yet to devise effective 2011 killing 1889 people. Aslammed the Union Ayush  :-3"/0 Present 26 Judges comprising Mate told The Pioneer. counter strategies to deal with Other groups in the cate- Ministry for adopting lack- Supreme Court is having only Police and military per- the terrorists. gory include Irish Republican adaisical approach in taking AYUSH systems by promoting three women judges. The sonnel figure at the top in terms “The deadliest group in Army, Revolutionary Armed concrete action against default- scientific research and uphold- Government also pointed out of attacks by target category fol- India is the country’s CPI Forces of Columbia, Taliban ers in order to ensure effective ing strict quality control of that against the sanctioned lowed by private citizens and (Maoist). Maoists were respon- and Liberation Tigers of Tamil regulation of the alternate tra- AYUSH drugs. The panel also strength of 1,079 judges as on property, Government and sible for 205 deaths and 190 ter- Eeelam (LTTE) among others. ditional medicines of called for increased funds to March 23, 2018, only 670 Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and atleast 5 per cent of the total judges are working in 24 High Homeopathy (ASU&H). It has Health Budget of the Health Courts of the country, leaving pitched in for a new stringent Ministry to help boost the 409 vacancies. 8  2  2     law to strictly deal with potential of the Ayush sector. “There are 73 women “due consideration” be given to is no proposal to raise the unscrupulous herbal drug The Ministry last year in a judges working in different “suitable candidates” belonging retirement age of judges in manufacturers for misleading written reply in Lok Sabha High Courts as on March 23, to scheduled castes, scheduled higher judiciary by the and duping innocent patients had stated that increasing num- 2018, which in percentage tribes and other backward Government, unnecessary $ (  $ and playing with their lives. ber of misleading advertise- terms is 10.89 per cent of the classes, minorities and women. delay in recruitment of judges The panel headed by Rajya ments of AYUSH products are working strength,” the depart- “This is being done to should be avoided at any cost,” Sabha MP Ram Gopal Yadav being reported in recent years. ment of Justice in the Law ensure a fair representation of it said. (  ,0.10#2& thas, topped with choice of was of the view that merely About 809 complaints of Ministry informed the depart- different sections of the society As of now, Governors and gajar ka halwa, chiki and gulab issuing show cause notices, advertisements pertaining to ment-related Standing in the higher judiciary,” the Chief Ministers are given six orth Indian vegetarian jamuns for dessert. departmental action etc was AYUSH and herbal medi- Committee on Law and Government said. It, however, weeks to recommend propos- Nmeals will be served to They will be served not sufficient to check the cines/products have been Personnel. made it clear that there was no al received from the chief jus- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas dele- Allahabadi amruds (guava’s menace of spurious drugs of received during the period Responding to the con- proposal to amend Articles tice of the High Court to gates travelling to Delhi from from Allahabad) for breakfast ASU&H. from April, 2015 to March, cerns of the Parliamentary 124 and 217 of the Constitution appoint a candidate as a judge. Allahabad on board special along with a choice of Poha, In its report submitted to 2018. Advertising Standards panel on inadequate represen- to allow reservation in the There were 24 High Courts trains on January 24 after Upama -- and another South Parliament, the panel said, Council of India (ASCI), with tation of women and people higher judiciary. when the committee had pre- attending the Kumbh Mela in Indian dish. “Despite repeated recommen- whom Ministry has signed a from marginalised communi- “The committee feels that pared its report. the Uttar Pradesh city. They will also get bread, dations of the Committee to MoU for suo moto monitoring ties, the ministry said the a timeline of six weeks given to From January 1, the num- A high-level committee butter and eggs for breakfast on have stringent measures to of AYUSH advertisements Centre had been requesting Chief Minister/Governor may ber of high courts have gone up consisting of officials from the demand once they have left tackle the problem of failed appearing in the media, report- chief justices of High Courts be reduced to expedite the to 25 with Andhra Pradesh and Ministry of External Affairs, Allahabad. However, delegates samples, the Ministry (Ayush) ed 732 complaints from that while sending proposals process of appointment of Telangana getting separate the Uttar Pradesh Government who want eggs with their seems not to have done any- January 20th, 2017 to January for appointment of judges, judges. It also feels since there High Courts. and the railways made this breads have to order them by thing in this regard. The 19, 2018. decision. dinner time on January 24. Committee takes serious note The Ayush Ministry in The Government has con- kept fruits like Allahabadi The railways is preparing of the lackadaisical approach of December last year had issued   stituted the committee to amrud (guava), gajar ka halwa around 3,000 meals for the del- the Ministry in not taking notification prohibiting the :-  <  decide on the logistics around and other north Indian food in egates which will be kept warm concrete action against default- manufacturers and agents of  <   the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas the menu,” said Ashwini on insulated trays on board, ers in order to ensure effective ASU &H drugs to not float being held at Varanasi, repre- Srivastava, the IRCTC Chief Srivastava said. They will be regulation of ASU&H drugs. advertisements related to any  sented in the Lok Sabha by Regional Manager, Lucknow. served in pre-sealed cardboard “The Committee would drug that are used for diagno-  ) <    Prime Minister Narendra The Railways will provide packages with holding space like to emphasize that such sis, cure, mitigation, treatment (  ,0.10#2& Modi, from January 21-23. two meals to the delegates - for each item. erring manufacturers need to or prevention of any diseases or After the Pravasi Bharatiya dinner on January 24 and As part of the special treat- be brought to book and dealt disorders without validating efence Minister Nirmala    Divas events, the Indian dias- breakfast the next day. ment planned by the railways, with strictly for misleading from the competent authorities. DSitharaman on Sunday ( ,0.10#2& pora will travel to Allahabad by Sources privy to the plans linen provided to the guests and duping innocent patients As per the notification, reached Portblair on a two-day -% =) :%% , road to attend the Kumbh said the option of serving con- will be brand new — fleece and playing with their lives. the manufacturers of these visit to Andaman and Nicobar Mela and on January 24. They tinental or ready-to-eat meals blankets and beddings which “The Committee, accord- drugs have to apply for the Islands where she will witness he Enforcement  %:,) ,%DE&.,& will be ferried to Delhi in spe- was explored but the commit- have been procured especial- ingly, recommends to the Unique Identification Number a joint military drill involving TDirectorate has arrested an > )%=) .,-,-.% cial trains to attend the tee preferred giving India’s ly for the delegates by the Ministry to lay down stringent for the publication of adver- the Army, the Air Force, the ex-manager of a Maharashtra- M)>% %. .)>% ,%.N Republic Day parade. global citizens a taste of local Allahabad division of railways, regulations which can act as a tisements. They will not be Navy and the Coast Guard, based cooperative society for *,>*% ;::) ,& “We are offering north dishes. along with the towels and nap- deterrent for erring manufac- allowed to publish advertise- officials said. his alleged involvement in ,-% %)= Indian vegetarian foods to the The menu for dinner will kins which will be of better turers.” ments within the period of Sitharaman will witness laundering crores of funds >% &) &8:)> -:- delegates. We decided to keep include north Indian staples quality than those provided The panel emphasised that three months from the date of three exercises — general sur- using the overseas hawala % %&%.=) .%>)&, ! it simple and give them a taste like paneer masala, mixed veg- usually. Sanitisers will be kept the Ministry must focus on application of this notifica- vival exercise, amphibious drill route. -!%:&- ,-%&):%,P& of the local food. So, we have etables, daal, rice and paran- in abundance in the coaches. increasing the credibility of tion. and a joint drill, an official said. The agency said ::) , , %.,- Machindra Khade was arrest-  ;&- !:) % ; ! ed by it under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act  . %* % )&& (PMLA) for his “involvement %,,*%% ,D E=:*,    &773   $  *  in facilitating illegal cash deposits in various bank would invariably reflect the accounts of the society which name of the cooperative soci-  4  ,0.10#2& -% @*;% Environment Ministry said afforestation has been pro- were subsequently layered and ety. Khade was instrumental in  &,,,%& %% ! that the proposed area has posed over the forest land, he then fraudulently remitted to contacting people and pursuing he Centre’s ambitious plan around 8430 trees, of which said. Hong Kong by submission of them in opening bank accounts Tto set up 750-bed AIIMS- .%%*)>%.,-% majority are likely to be felled. Regarding use of forest fake import documents in the for monetary consideration,” it like institute at Himachal % , %: )&&,-% The proposal will now be land for dumping site, the offi- guise of import of diamond”. It alleged. Pradesh’s Bilaspur district has ,,%& .% ( .- discussed by the FAC in a cial said that as majority of the said the accused was former The agency claimed Khade hit a roadblock with a Central meeting on January 15, 2019. non-forest land is existing on manager of Renukamata Multi- obtained the signatures of panel of the Union  , &,- Interestingly, the State the hill side i.e. above the State Cooperative Urban Credit account holders on blank Environment Ministry ques-  ;&-)B ,- Government has proposed National Highway which is Society. RTGS slips that he kept in his tioning the need for diverting  ,):) %:, compensatory afforestation in crossing the proposed site in The agency had begun custody. 40 acres of forest land for its the forest land itself in lieu of the middle, it is not possible to probing the cooperative society “As and when there was a construction, of which atl east %!) ** :%& the forest land it is seeking for develop dumping sites on the based in Ahmednagar district demand, the accused would eight acres of forest patch has  ,-%**,)= the construction of the project. upper side of the non-forest of Maharashtra on the basis of take out these blank RTGS been allocated for dumping ==) .*%-%*,-: % However, officials from the land. an FIR filed by the State police. slips and fill the amount and sites. State Government have justi- Moreover, the slope of the The Enforcement beneficiary details in the slips. While the State &% :%& .*&),) fied their move, claiming that non-forest site is not suitable Directorate (ED) said its probe He used to take commission of Government has sought 40 !% ,=:*,%&=) there is no non-forest govern- for a dumping site, the official found that Khade “opened and 50 per one lakh of such trans- acres of forest land, it has C*,%.:* ment land available in the dis- pointed out. operated” multiple bank actions which involved deposit already provided 59.724 acres trict Bilaspur as all government The AIIMS-like institutes accounts in the name of per- of cash till the stage of RTGS,” of non-forest land for the pro- %.:,)  ,-% land or land over which gov- are being developed by the sons/company which were the ED charged. ject to be spread over 100 :) ,  ernment has proprietary rights, Centre across the States under used for depositing huge cash “In this manner, funds of acres of area. has been classified as forest Pradhan Mantri Swasthya in the society’s account main- 120 crore were deposited in The project worth 1,351 to be completed in 48 months. Advisory Committee (FAC) of green land. It also expressed its land. “As such, no non-forest Suraksha Yojna (PMSSY) with tained with banks having core these accounts and then trans- crore will have a medical col- Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Ministry in its meeting on reservations over the project land is available for raising an aim to correct regional banking and Real Time Gross ferred through RTGS/NEFT to lege with an intake capacity of had laid its foundation stone in December 19, 2018 deferred proponent’s plan to use eight compensatory afforestation in imbalances in the availability of Settlement (RTGS) facility. different shell companies and 100 seats and a nursing college October 2017 at Bilaspur, the the proposal asking the acres of forest area for two lieu of the forest land proposed affordable healthcare services “In this way, the beneficia- finally out of India to Hong with 60 seats, 20 specialty and native town of Union Health Himachal Pradesh dumping sites (4.5 hactres and for the construction of the and also to augment facilities ries’ transactions were suc- Kong-based companies on the super specialty departments Minister JP Nadda. Government to justify need for 3.5 hactres areas respectively). project,” an official argued. for quality medical education cessfully camouflaged as the strength of forged bills of entry,” including 15 operation theatres However, the Forest diverting such a huge patch of Sources in the Union Consequently, compensatory in the country. RTGS/NEFT transactions it said. %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0  (?

       %' Q $ Q0       R    $    $   2 ;     55 & dent had said. the BJP leaders for raising the of people was a jumla. Achhe Alluding to the new Rs 8 issues like the caste of Lord Din was a jumla. Is Ram ith no let-up in the grow- lakh as the annual income Hanuman or other Gods. Mandir promise also a jumla.     55 & power but bring about eco- Wing friction between the limit for reservations for eco- However, justifying the The BJP should clarify. Mere nomic transformation and ruling saffron alliance partners nomically weaker sections Sena’s decision to Ram Mandir accusing the Congress of cre- enior BJP leader and Union changes in the society. The ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, under the general category, an issue in the polls, Uddhav ating hurdles on the Ram SMinister Nitin Gadkari said politicians should know their Shiv Sena president Uddhav Uddhav said: “On one hand singled out Prime Minister Mandir temple issue won’t on Sunday that politicians limits and they should not med- Thackeray on Sunday hit out at you consider all those whose Narendra Modi for attack on help. The Ram Mandir issue should not interfere in fields dle in fields other than own,” the BJP president Amit Shah, say- annual income is below Rs 8 the Mandir issue. “Here’s the was before the court even ear- other than own and let people BJP leader said. ing that no party should con- lakh as economically back- most powerful man in this lier. Then why was the BJP in the fields like literature and “During the emergency, the sider the Sena as “weak” and ward class. On the other hand, world and who is considered by seeking votes in the name of education deal with their spe- speeches by noted Marathi writ- that “no one is either born yet you keep Rs 2.5 lakh as the his party workers as the rein- Ram Mandir?,” Uddhav asked. cialised tasks. ebrated writer, Gadkari spoke on ers like P L Deshpande and or will ever take birth who can basic income tax exemption carnation of Maha Vishnu. Uddhav’s remarks are a Known for speaking his the freedom of expression Durga Bhagwat drew more defeat my party”. limit. I would like to know if But, he says he cannot build the reiteration of the Sena’s stand mind, Gadkari made a telling enjoyed by the writers and crowds than politicians. But, Addressing a conference of no one is either born yet or will the Modi government will do temple at this juncture. If that that his party would go it alone comment to this effect at the handed out a piece of advice to after the emergency they went the Sena’s Sthaniya Lokadhikar ever take birth who can defeat away income tax for all those is the case, why is the BJP mak- in the Lok Sabha polls. concluding session of an All fellow politicians. back to the field of literature and Samiti (SLS) Mahasangh here, the Shiv Sena. No one should earning less than Rs 8 lakh a ing Ram Mandir an issue in the While interacting with India Marathi Literary conclave “Politicians should not inter- never approached any political Uddhav also ridiculed the consider us weak. So many year. If Modi does this, we will polls. Modi should realise that party workers at Latur in held at Yavatmal in eastern fere in the fields other than their party for positions for power like Centre's decision to keep the waves have come and gone. We not hesitate in accepting that the Sena and BJP had come Marathwada region, Shah had Maharashtra, which was marred own. They should let people in Rajya Sabha membership,” annual income limit of Rs 8 are never scared of high or low Modi has a chest of not just 56 together on the Hindutva said last week that even with- by a major controversy over the the fields of literature, universi- Gadkari said, alluding to the lakh for reservations for eco- tides. We defeat the waves. It is inches but he has chest of 256 plank. As far as Shiv Sena is out an alliance with the Shiv revocation of the invitation ties and educational institutions respect enjoyed by the writers in nomically weaker sections the Shiv Sena wave that is on inches”. concerned, we want Ram Sena, the BJP would win at extended to English litterateur to do their job... There could not the society. under the general category and now”. Slamming the Modi gov- Mandir”. least 40 out of 48 seats in the Nayantara Sahgal for the inau- have been a better decision than Gadkari’s comment should wondered if the Modi govern- Uddhav was referring to ernment for its failure to keep Daring Bihar chief minis- state. guration of the meet. to invite Vaishali Yede who may be seen in the context of the ment would simultaneously Shah’s dig at the Shiv Sena and its promises made during the ter Nitish Kumar and Lok It may be recalled that in The controversy saw Akhil not have written anything but decision taken on January 6 by raise the basic income tax subsequent exhortation to his 2014 polls, Uddhav said: “Some Janshati Party to come clean on the 2014 Lok Sabha polls which Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya has seen so much in life,” the the 92nd Akhil Bharatiya exemption limit to the same party workers -- made at Latur people fail to deliver on their the Ram Mandir issue, Uddhav the two saffron parties had con- Mahamandal (ABMSM) Union Minister said. Maratahi Sahitya Sammelan to level. recently -- to prepare them- promises. But, they never fall asked the BJP leadership to tested as an alliance, the BJP President Shripad Joshi resign Gadkari lamented that pol- revoke the invitation to English In a rhetorical rebuff to selves to go it alone in the Lok short when it comes to having bring all its constituents on one and Shiv Sena had contested 26 from his post in protest, two itics had become power play and litterateur Nayantara Sahgal to Shah’s recent statement that if Sabha polls. “Yuti hogi toh a dig at others. Mere promises platform and seek clarification and 22 seats respectively in the days ahead of the conclave. not a state craft or a means to inaugurate the conclave on the the Sena preferred to go it alone saathi ko jeetayenge, nahin toh won’t help matters. It is not the from them if all them wanted state. Appreciating the organisers’ bring about economical trans- ostensible ground that it had in the Lok Sabha polls, it faced patak denge… ( If we contest question of victory or defeat Ram temple or not. The two parties had put up decision to invite Vaishali Yede, formation or changes in society. received threats that there would defeat at the hands of the BJP, the elections together, we will but what is importance is con- “You people are coming a spectacular performance in widow of a distressed farmer “Politics has today become be disruptions in the proceed- Uddhav said: “Some people are ensure victory for their candi- fidence. Once you lose confi- together on a common mini- the polls by together winning who committed suicide, in place a means enjoy and go after ings if she attended the three-day talking about defeating the dates, otherwise we will dence, you will not win any mum programme. Depositing 40 seats (BJP-22 and Sena-18 of Sahgal in the wake of con- power. Politicians should realise conference that was scheduled to Shiv Sena. I should tell them: trounce them),” the BJP presi- war”. He went onto lampoon Rs 15 lakh in the bank accounts seats) out of total 48 seats. troversy of invitation to the cel- politics is not running after begin on January 11. 3   "     22    **   ?$*    2   $9   (  (#(  20, &, # "The upcoming Lok Sabha /0&10,6 ## elections will be fight between (  55 &   @ ! he Trinamool Congress on an authoritarian rule, and fight     TSunday hit back at Prime &,1& /&, 5# to save democracy and consti- Government medical offi- Minister Narendra Modi for his A2-,7/0 ,1 tution of this country," he said. Acer and his aide were   remarks that people have to 20,020.6.0 At the BJP national con- nabbed by the ACB Sunday in     chose between a 'majboor' vention, the prime minister had Maharashtra's Parbhani dis- (helpless) or a 'majboot' 0,7 #-2&06 said that the opposition parties trict for allegedly accepting Rs  ! !$ (strong) Government in the 5&,&0/5 5  were coming together as they 8,000 in bribe for conducting a  general elections, and said the  ,0/00.  wanted to form a "majboor" surgery on an elderly woman,   2019 Lok Sabha polls would be government to promote nepo- an official said. a fight between dictatorship 0 (&,7  / ##A tism and corruption, whereas Dr Gajanan Kale, the  =(( and democracy. 20/0 the saffron party wanted a Medical Officer with the '    Criticising Modi for his "majboot" dispensation for an Parbhani district hospital, had assertion at the BJP national a strong government or a help- all-round development of the allegedly demanded the money  !! # convention in New Delhi on less one? I would like to ask country. Several allies have to insert a rod in one of the leg's    Saturday, senior TMC leader them whether the governments deserted the BJP-led NDA in of the woman who had met Abhishek Banerjee wondered they had formed in Kashmir the last four-and-a-half-years, with an accident, the Anti-   whether the saffron party-led with the PDP or in the north the TMC MP said. Corruption Bureau official said. NDA government from 1999- eastern states, were strong or "The BJP should stop lec- Consequently, the son of asked the complainant to hand 2004 or various coalition gov- helpless," Banerjee said. turing us and others on dynasty the woman approached the over the money to his aide ernments that it was a part of The national president of politics when several top lead- local ACB unit in Parbhani, Pandurnag Dukre (27), a pri- were "majboot" or "majboor". All India Trinamool Youth ers of their party have sons and around 500 kms from here, fol- vate person when the ACB "I want to ask them Congress and the nephew of daughters as MPs and MLAs... lowing which a trap was set. team nabbed them this morn- whether the BJP-led NDA gov- West Bengal Chief Minister The TMC doesn't believe in The official said Dr Kale, who ing. Further investigation is ernment of Atal Bihari Mamata Banerjee, was speak- dynasty politics. Those who are          (7    ,     $% is an MS in Orthopaedics, underway. Vajpayee from 1999-2004 was ing at a rally here. efficient get elected," he added. %""'"& *& 1+" %#% 5 "    6  % 2    ' 3$

(  0,7 #/ because there is already anti- O.   defection law in place, but we * &+"'"& "&+ % *-" arnataka Water Resource   are aware of what you are hint- KMinister DK Shivakumar ing at," he said in an apparent (  ,0.10#2& Sunday said the BJP's  # reference to the opposition ‘Operation Lotus’ to topple the !   BJP in the state. The water efence Minister Nirmala State’s coalition Government resources minister also won- DSitharaman Sunday was for real, alleging that three  dered why the income tax reached Portblair on a two-day Congress MLAs were camping department and the anti-cor- visit to Andaman and Nicobar in a hotel in Mumbai in the  0++ ruption bureau failed to initi- Islands where she will witness “company of some BJP leaders”.  ate any action on a complaint a joint military drill involving “Horse trading is going on by Dinesh Gundu Rao on the the Army, the Air Force, the in the State. Three of our MLAs ! + matter. Navy and the Coast Guard, are in Mumbai in a hotel with "We do not know what officials said. some BJP MLAs and leaders.  ! progress these two agencies Sitharaman will witness We are aware of what has tran-    have made so far, but sitting on three exercises -- general sur- spired there and how much has the complaint by a political vival exercise, amphibious drill been offered to them,” he said. ): party is not good," he said. and a joint drill, an official said. Operation Lotus is a refer- party from many crises in the have also told Siddaramaiah Many Congress MLAs in the Andaman and Nicobar is ence to the BJP allegedly luring past, accused Chief Minister H about it. "The chief minister is   P southern state have alleged also the armed forces' tri-ser- several opposition MLAs to D Kumaraswamy of being adopting a policy of wait and that they were approached by vice command. , @IAF_MCC and The Malacca Straits is defect to ensure stability of its "lenient" towards the BJP. watch. If I was in his place, I the BJP leaders to quit their At least two drills will see @IndiaCoastGuard during her also an important Sea Lane of then-government headed by B "Our chief minister is bit would have exposed it within Shivakumar, however, party and join them. The saf- participation of the three 2 day visit," the defence minis- Communication and used by S Yeddyurappa in Karnataka in lenient towards the BJP. By 24 hours," Shivakumar said. exuded confidence that the fron party has trashed the armed forces, the official ter's official handle tweeted. the navies of several coun- 2008. 'lenient', I mean he is not The minister said former BJP would not succeed in its charges, saying the coalition added. "Smt @nsitharaman Andaman and Nicobar tries, including China which Shivakumar, who had exposing the facts he knows. chief minister Siddaramaiah attempt. "You have been saying partners were hiding their arrives in Port Blair to oversee archipelago is straddled strate- has been stepping up its mili- earned the reputation of being All the MLAs have conveyed to and Congress state president that a 'kranti' (revolution) may shortcomings and internal a major joint excercise involv- gically near the mouth of the tary infrastructure in the a “trouble-shooter” in the the chief minister about the Dinesh Gundu Rao were aware happen after Makar Sankranti. strife by making false accusa- ing the @adgpi , @indiannavy Malacca Straits. Indian Ocean Region. Congress for bailing out the ongoing conspiracies. They of the development. Let us see. It is not so easy tions at the opposition. "   !  &, ! O   :   

(   , baaz would be busy studying in the minorities when as the esteemed schools and colleges chief minister of Bihar, he had JD national president Lalu and securing their own ordered the arrest of BJP vet- RPrasad launched a veiled futures," Prasad said. eran LK Advani during his attack on the BJP on Sunday by "Therefore, all parents and "rath yatra" in 1990. issuing a "humble appeal" to the guardians are requested to be He had also succeeded in people of the country to be on on guard themselves, besides weaning away the minorities guard against hate politics, guarding their children against from the Congress during the rumour mongering and false rumour mongering sanghs 15 years when the state was propaganda to divide the youth (organisations) and their false ruled by him and subsequent- ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. propaganda. A beginning has ly by his wife Rabri Devi, a The ailing former Bihar been made by them in UP and period which saw virtually no chief minister, who is serving Bihar," the RJD supremo major communal incidents, sentences in fodder scam cases added. despite an overall soaring crime and is currently lodged in a Prasad's remarks came in graph. Ranchi hospital, shared his the backdrop of mob violence Now an ally of the views on the political situation and cow vigilantism reported Congress, the RJD is miffed at prevailing in the country on his in many parts of the Hindi the quota for the economical- official Twitter handle. spreading rumours," Prasad by convictions in two more heartland, often spurred by ly backward sections brought "It is a humble appeal to the wrote on the microblogging fodder scam cases. fake social media messages by the Narendra Modi gov- people of the country that website. He has, however, been circulated by people with ernment at the Centre. elections are round the corner The Rashtriya Janata Dal sharing his views on his Twitter alleged links to Sangh Parivar The party has held that it and those practising hate pol- (RJD) supremo has been away handle. "While your children outfits. is a step in the direction of itics will provoke the youth and from active politics since would be slaying each other A staunch opponent of the diluting affirmative action for your children to sacrifice their December 2017, when he was and wasting their lives in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party the socially and educationally lives by raising false alarms, giv- convicted in the Deoghar trea- name of cow and cow dung, the (BJP) and the Sangh Parivar, backward segments of the ing rise to misconceptions and sury case, which was followed kids of the hypocritical jumle- Prasad had endeared himself to society.                * ,2 !    $% %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0  (B

 "    /   )2  (   '*    ( '  !8 9   ' (  /&, 7 / -5# &, , and for the next 6 months,” the future would be in jeopardy.” email read. Anupama Chopra had op Al-Badr commander ./(01.&2 Chopra’s wife, film critic confirmed that the woman TZeenat-ul-Islam was among Anupama Chopra, who is a had shared an account with her, the two militants killed in an 6 (0/6/ director at Vinod Chopra Films and that Vinod Chopra Films encounter with security forces in Pvt Ltd, Sanju scriptwriter (VCF) has since set up a com- Kulgam district of Jammu and 5J&0 , Abhijat Joshi and filmmaker mittee to address complaints of Kashmir, police said on Sunday. Shelly Chopra, Vidhu Vinod’s sexual harassment. “I have “The two terrorists killed (  55 & sister, were also marked on the offered my full support and in the Katpora encounter have email. The complainant later recommended that she take the been identified as Zeenat-ul- ilmmaker Rajkumar Hirani told HuffPost India that she was complaint to a legal body or a Islam and Shakeel Ahmad Fhas been accused of sexual “intimidated by Hirani”, who neutral party since we cannot Dar. Both were involved in assault by a woman who was her reporting superior at be arbitrators or judges on several terror crimes,” a police worked with him on his 2017 the time. this. We also offered to set up official said. film Sanju. April 9, 2018, the director first She said she maintained a an ICC at VCF (which we have Islam, a category A++ mil- Hirani has categorically passed a sexually suggestive facade of normalcy regarding set up since then) even though itant, was a top commander denied the allegations. His remark to her and later sexu- Hirani’s behaviour as she a VCF ICC could not have who had switched over to Al- lawyer Anand Desai termed the ally assaulted her in his home needed to hold on to her job taken up the case since she was Badr from Hizbul Mujahideen allegations “false, mischievous, office. as her father was suffering an RHF (Rajkumar Hirani in November last year follow- scandalous, motivated and “I remember forming these from a terminal illness. “I had Films) employee at the time. ing consensus between the two defamatory”. words on my lips — ‘Sir, this is no choice but to be polite to These are two separate com- outfits to strengthen the Al- In an article on HuffPost wrong. Because of this power him. It was unbearable but the panies,” she said in an email Badr, he said. India, the woman, who calls structure. You being the reason I endured it all, until I dated December 5, 2018. The official said security herself as “an assistant”, alleged absolute power and me being couldn’t, was because I didn’t Anupama said the woman forces launched a cordon and that Hirani sexually abused a mere assistant, a nobody. I want my job to be taken away told her she needed time to search operation in Katpora her more than once between will never be able to express from me, and work to be think about how to take things area of Yaripora in south March and September 2018. myself to you’,” she wrote of the questioned. Ever.” She said: “I forward. Kashmir's Kulgam district She gave details of her alle- April 9 incident in the email to was worried that if I left mid- She added, “I did not want Saturday evening after receiv- gations in an email dated Chopra, as quoted by HuffPost way, it would be impossible to in any way to pressurise her or ing specific information about November 3, 2018, to Hirani’s India. find another job in this indus- steer her in any direction. As the presence of militants there. longtime collaborator and The woman said that try if he were to speak badly Vinod and I told her then, she He said as the forces were Sanju co-producer Vidhu Hirani was a father figure to about my work. Because if has our full support and we are conducting the searches, the Vinod Chopra. her. “My mind, body and heart Hirani said I wasn’t good, fully respectful of whatever   *  2     "       ! , militants fired upon them. The woman said that on were grossly violated that night everybody would listen. My decision she has taken.”     $% As per policy, the militants were given an opportunity to surrender, but they continued to fire upon the forces, the offi- cial said.    !    The forces retaliated, ensu- ing an encounter in which two the militants were killed, he    (  (#(  cued by the police and had to said. Meanwhile, a police O      fly back,” the poet said adding spokesman said both the killed engal intelligentsia and the how “gradually the right to militants were affiliated with Bnon-BJP Opposition parties !   freedom of expression and Al-Badr and were wanted by of the State have strongly the space to talk is shrinking the law for "their complicity in denounced the heckling of !   ! 08 in India. Thankfully we live in a series of terror crimes includ- Bangla poet Srijata Bengal where the people can ing attack on security estab- Bandopadhyay at a Silchar   !!  # atleast talk.” lishments and civilian atroci- hotel by a group rowdies Senior dramataist ties". "Islam, according to police allegedly sent by the saffron $ #!P Rudraprasad Sengupta said records had a long history of politicians. “if similar situations continued terror crime records since 2006 Coming down heavily on then one cannot but say that when he got affiliated with Al- the BJP and Banjrangdal for CPI(M) general secretary this feeling of hatred might bad days are ahead of us.” Badr and was later arrested," he creating an atmosphere of com- Sitaram Yechury too con- travel to other States and then Writer Shirshendu Mukherjee said. munal hatred and disharmony demned the incident saying it will be very difficult for said such incidents demanded The spokesman said after in India Bengal Minister “the incident aned many oth- them (BJP) to control it.” country-wide protests. Islam was released, he again got Chandrima Bhattacharya said, ers like that taking place in the Srijato was on Saturday Meanwhile, another recycled in 2016 and subse- “such incidents are not only recent past prove that the gheraoed and allegedly heck- Bengali poetess Mandakranta quently affiliated with HM and unfortunate but also con- India is passing through days led at a literary function at Sen on Sunday reported how then recently joined the Al- demnable. We do not allow worse than that of Silchar and had to be rescued she was being ‘badmouthed’ Badr outfit in Shopian District. such things in Bengal.” Emergency,” adding “such fas- by the police. by some senior State BJP lead- "Consequently, he became Accusing the BJP and cist attacks” were in fact a pre- “Some people raided the ers including State BJP presi- the chief of the said outfit. Bajrangdal for Saturday’s inci- lude to attack on the very venue in the hotel where I was dent Dilip Ghosh. Several terror crime cases were dent the Minister said “the BJP essence of the Constitution of staying and was to attend a lit- The poetess she even had registered against him. He was has paid the price of such divi- India.” erary programme. They were received threats of gang-rape also involved in a weapon sive politics in Rajasthan, MP Congress MP Pradip protesting against one of my from some people on the Net. snatching case at Tukroo and Chhattisgarh. Now they Bhattacharya said, “if such poems written three years ago. The State BJP president how- Shopian. Similarly, Shakeel will see the consequence of dis- pre-orchestrated attacks on I was holed up in the hotel ever denied reports of speak- Ahmad Dar was also involved  2  !- ,      2 ,    :  :,2  turbing communal harmony in Bengali intellectuals are not which was vandalised any- ing against her and invited her in terror related crimes as $% other parts of the country too.” stopped then one is afraid way. Subsequently I was res- to file a case against him. well," the spokesman said. 2"" # * %&## %$;   6&+#"&+  $   *     %  "+%%*&# *$ P4"!""%"!!5   $ $  &+%"& $#%"#7    $ 2 2  $   # *    (( $#%" " "-"%'"" Q$   ; * -20,, & Hyderabad: Vice President M (  2&/J , ,2 / 5 Ponnamabalamedu, is the con- (   , upcoming Lok Sabha polls Venkaiah Naidu on the eve of fter the potential part- tinuation of the practice fol- from Hajipur seat, which is Makar Sankranti urged the Aners of a Rainbow he Travancore Devaswom lowed by tribal families who nion Minister Ram Vilas considered Paswan's pocket youth to understand the rich Alliance to be led by his party TBoard, which manages the lived near the hilltop. UPaswan’s estranged daugh- borough, "if the RJD gives her and diverse traditions of Indian cold shouldered his proposal temple shrine at Sabarimala in Padmakumar also said the ter Asha on Sunday staged a sit- a ticket". Paswan has declared festivals and called for pro- to project Congress president Kerala, said it was all set for the state health department and in here along with RJD women that he will not be contesting tecting, promoting and enrich- Rahul Gandhi as the prime annual ‘Makaravilakku’ festival police at Sabarimala and near- activists to protest her father’s from the seat in the upcoming ing “our exceptional” culture ministerial candidate for the on Monday. by areas were ready to deal with ‘angootha chhap’ jibe alleged- general elections and would and folk art forms. Speaking 2019 Lok Sabha election, TDB president A any untoward incident. ly targeted at party leader Rabri take the Rajya Sabha route to after inaugurating the fourth MK Stalin, the DMK chief is Padmakumar Sunday met "The temple will close on Devi. enter Parliament. International Kite Festival and on a mission to mobilise vil- media after the evaluation January 20. Only the members Paswan had at a Press con- Speculations are rife that second International Sweet lagers in Tamil Nadu to ensure meeting of the Board and said of the royal family of Pandalam ference on Friday attacked the one of Paswan's close family Festival at Parade Ground in they vote for his party. all arrangements for the festi- are allowed on that day. The last Opposition Rashtriya Janata members may be given the Secunderabad Sunday, Naidu The DMK president is busy val have been completed at day for other devotees is Dal (RJD) for opposing the ticket in his place. said festivals are occasions for with Ooratchi Sabai ( a kind of Sabarimala. January 19," he said. NDA-led Government’s Bill to "Ram Vilas Paswan has social bonding and inculcate a Gram Sabha) where he visits “Thiruvabharanam (sacred However, compared to last provide 10 per cent reservation talked a lot about 'neeti' (poli- spirit of communal harmony villages and interacts with vil- Stalin said he would pre- was succeeded by son Stalin. jewels of the deity) will reach year, Sabarimala has witnessed for the economically backward cy) and 'neeyat' (intention) and national integrity. "They lagers, especially women. pare the election manifesto of Karunandhi has also promot- in general category. and has failed on both counts. symbolise renewal, rejuvena- Stalin has been enthused by the DMK for the Lok Sabha ed his other children M K .   C   !  “They (RJD) believe in Having learnt the ropes under tion, and revival of our tradi- the response he received dur- election by incorporating the Lagiri and Kanimozhi besides merely raising slogans and the tutelage of socialists like tions and heritage and bring in ing the Namukku Naame (We issue highlighted by the vil- grand nephew Dayanidhi  D!!  O   EC ! making ‘angootha chhap’ (illit- Lohia, JP and Karpoori Thakur, a sense of togetherness, unity, For Ourselves) campaign he lagers. The Gram Sabha meet- Maran. Now Stalin is grooming FG D?  %F:0?03( erate person) the Chief he ended up sitting in the lap love, and brotherhood in held prior to the 2016 ings are drawing good crowd, Udhayanidhi to be his succes- Minister,” he had said, without of the BJP-RSS combine," today's fast-paced world," Assembly election by touring especially women who pour sor. AIADMK is the only  O  EC   naming anybody. Sadhu said. "My fight with Naidu was quoted as saying in all the 234 assembly con- out their grievances to the democratic party in Tamil Asha, who is Paswan’s him is, however, not personal, an official release. stituencies in which he met the DMK chief. Nadu and you have seen an ! D!!'  !    daughter from his first mar- but political," he said. "I treat "We witness the coming voters and discussed with them Chief Minister Edappadi ordinary villager being sworn  #   ! riage, had on Saturday him with the same respect together of families and com- their grievances. Palaniswamy was quick to in as chief minister,” said demanded an apology from which I have for my father. If I munities during such festivals. Though the DMK could point out the fallacy behind Palaniswamy. him. His remarks were seen as meet him on any social occa- They are also occasions for not cross the magic figure of Stalin’s claim that he would Political commentators in ‘pathinettampadi’ (holy 18 a lean crowd for the annual fes- a reference to the events of 1997 sion, I will greet him by touch- social bonding," he said. 118 to form the government, address all issues concerning Tamil Nadu are not impressed steps) at 6 pm on January 14. tival this time. Devotees when RJD chief Lalu Prasad ing his feet," he added. Calling the harvest festival the party finished the contest the villagers. by Stalin’s mass contact pro- At 6.30 pm, the ‘deeparad- are apprehensive over chances had to step down as Bihar Chief The RJD leader alleged Makar Sankranti a celebration with 88 seats, a commendable “Stalin was the minister for gramme. hana’ (worship with lamps) of violent protests in case any Minister as he faced arrest in that Paswan and his son, of life and vitality, Naidu said performance despite the fact local administration and rural “He is lucky that there are will take place with the Lord more women of menstrual age the fodder scam cases and his Chirag Paswan, sought votes in it holds great historical and reli- that the party’s then president development during 2006 to no powerful second rung lead- adorning the jewels. All facili- attempt to trek the hill during wife, Rabri Devi, who has lit- the name of Dalits but turned gious significance. M Karunanidhi did not cam- 2011. Had he taken the trouble ers in the DMK to challenge ties for the devotees to witness the festival. tle formal education, was their backs on the depressed It is the festival of the sun paign because of advanced age. of visiting the villages those him. These kind of pro- the 'Makaravilakku' and Owing to the earlier vio- appointed as his successor. classes when it came to fight- god who is often regarded as This time, Stalin is the star days, we would not have faced grammes are not new in Tamil 'Makarajyothi' are in place," he lence witnessed at the hilltop Married to Arun Sadhu, ing for their rights. the symbol divinity and wis- campaigner for the DMK as this much issues,” Palaniswamy Nadu,” said G Satyamurty, vet- said. shrine over the issue of entry of who is the state president of the Chirag, who is an MP from dom and those who celebrate there are no charismatic lead- told a public meeting on eran columnist. He said situ- 'Makarajyothi' is a star women, the police have RJDs SC/ST cell, Asha Jamui and heads the LJP's par- this occasion of thanksgiving ers in the party. Saturday. ations may undergo big change which is worshipped by pil- strengthened security at refrained from storming the liamentary board, is Paswan's and merrymaking revel in He may be depending on The chief minister said in the State as the election fever grims on Makara Sankranti on Sabarimala, Pampa and its base headquarters of Paswan's Lok son from his second marriage. anticipation and joy, he said. his son Udhayanidhi Stalin there were many villages in the catches up in days to come. “It January 14 every year. camp at Nilackal. Janshakti Party (LJP) here, Asked if Asha would still The vice president also who is waiting in the wings to State which do not have any is not going to be a cake walk It is the star Sirius located Meanwhile, the three- which she had threatened to do contest from Hajipur if the tried his hand at kite-flying and take the plunge into active sanitation or drinking water for the DMK or the AIADMK in Canis Major constellation. member monitoring commit- on Saturday. Instead, she staged NDA fields Chirag from the said it was a tremendous expe- politics. But how far supply schemes. as Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi It is believed that Lord tee appointed by the Kerala the sit-in at Gardanibagh, bare- seat, Sadhu replied in the affir- rience which transcends age, Udhayanidhi’s popularity as a “These issues could have are not there this time,” said Ayyappa asserts himself as the High Court, comprising former ly a kilometer away from the mative. "Relationship does not class, and community. film star would help the DMK addressed by Stalin had he Satyamurty. Makarajyothi to bless his devo- High Court Justices P R LJP headquarters. She was matter in political battlefield," Observing that kite-mak- to win the election is not been serious in his words,” The line-up for 2019 Lok tees. The flame appears on the Raman, S Sirijagan and joined by women RJD activists, he said. When reporters ing was an art form, the vice known. said Palaniswamy. He also lam- Sabha election is far from over Ponnambalamedu hill which is Additional Director General of who carried placards and raised approached Chirag at the air- president said it required skill, Stalin’s focus during the basted the DMK chief for his as there is discontentment around 8 km from the shrine. Police A Hemachandran, slogans demanding that the port here, he said, "This is not precision, devotion, and inven- interaction with the villagers is locus standi to address the vil- among some of the parties The lighting of the lamp by inspected Nilackal, Pampa and Union minister "apologise" and a political matter but a dispute tiveness. the “all- round failure of the lagers. which have declared their alle- the Kerala government with the Sannidhanam. "take his words back"Talking to concerning my family and I As many as 42 profession- AIADMK government and the “He is a product of dynasty giance to the DMK. The support of the Travancore They expressed satisfac- reporters at a different location, have never been comfortable al kite fliers from abroad and 60 anti-Tamil Nadu and anti-sec- and family politics. AIADMK knows well that they Devosom Board and forest tion over the facilities arranged Sadhu reiterated that his wife talking about personal matters from India are participating in ular Narendra Modi govern- Karunanidhi was the party cannot repeat the dream run it department, at for the devotees. would like to contest the in public." the Kite Festival. PTI ment at the Centre”. president for 50 years and he had in 2014 election. %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0   (G 8+"%/%*&8 *'  $  4   31   ' $  4  4 :! ,/29 /0 2    " $ 2   2 $    $ $ %  $*    $ <      $   2 *  $ ) $          .    5                -< $  (6 <     . 2      '  $  7<$(6<$8        (                         !     <      =               5                                :   9   +,41                  <$ he former Marine Corps                    General, James Norman Mattis, had acquired mythic and cult-       <$          6<$ ( like folklore while still in the          5  < =    7122>8 <  ‘uniform’. The image had got caricaturisedT into monikers like ‘Mad         <           Dog’ and ‘Warrior Monk’, with many true      , <          and even fabricated bravado attributed to                    the chronic bachelor. The Marine Corps-      0               ( inspired ‘Oorah’ battle-rattle personality had led to popular memes like “was once        ! 6     # 0     bitten by a Black Mamba — the Black S           S          Mamba died instantly,” “fear of spiders is              6      called arachnophobia, fear of tight spaces is called claustrophobia — fear of Mattis    <$(6<$               ( is called logic” and “Saint Mattis of      6.$S =   <        Quantico, patron saint of chaos.” Impressed         -      0  ( with the legendary warrior’s popular per- sona, Donald Trump had described him         "          6.$ # an “a true general’s general” and inducted      0    !          him as his Secretary of Defence. The 6.$          0          appointment was in line with the alpha- 6                  muscularity of Trump’s ‘America First’ and James Mattis became the second man after      <$     S    6.$    ( George Marshal to get a waiver that       06-         P   Q - requires a seven-year cooling off period Senior Counselor to the making.” This rings eerily true plan to assassinate Syrian                     before assuming Secretary of Defence. President, three Attorney- in the curious case of the President Bashar al-Assad and Behind the image lurked the wisdom Generals and countless others revolving-door in the White apparently telling some people $  5              ( of 44 years of combat service in the Gulf to record the highest turnover House, this time by James that the President had a poli-      6  (       >AB>A    6   ( Wars and Afghanistan, which culminated ratio of over 60 per cent among Mattis. The piece had captured cy understanding of a 10-11                     in the four-star General with responsibil- the White House positions. the impetuosity and pettiness year-old. A few months ago the ities like the command of Marine Corps The latest to join the bandwag- that had to be managed in the US President had rued about                     Combat Development Command, US on is Mattis, owing to a very 5 && # White House, as the staff was Mattis saying, “I think he’s sort                       Joint Forces Command and US Central familiar reason of irreconcil- 0#&0J012 J0 working to insulate their oper- of a Democrat, if you want to  6.$   9               Command overseeing operations in Iraq, ability with the outlandish ations from his whims. know the truth.” However, it is Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria and Iran. approach of Trump. 1& 7/001.&2 Obviously, the situation and now becoming increasingly     =            S Besides his operational heroics, he was In a tellingly drafted resig- equation would have reached difficult for even Trump’s own                    known to be a voracious reader and stu- nation letter, James Mattis has 20/0&10, a point of no-return, as James Republican Party to defend his    <    6<$           dent of military history with a personal alluded to the “sharp differ- ,202 A Mattis slammed Donald decisions and the usually ret- library of over 7,000 books. The accom- ences” and suggested to the Trump’s boorish rants and icent Senate majority leader                    panying experience, maturity and gravitas President to appoint someone, 10-&&, fickleness in treating allies and insisted that the President         <$    5  < had in recent times led to the more bal- “whose views are better aligned .&21/ .6/5 enemies alike by stating: “My must now select “a leader who =     6<$   + !     , <   anced perception as the only ‘grown-up’ left with yours.” A clear note of dis- 20&/ ,& , views on treating allies with shares Secretary Mattis’ under-   C     6.$      !     in the fast depleting administration of sent, frustration and resigna- respect and also being clear- standing of these vital princi- Donald Trump. tion rides on the back of ,-#0 /10 #$ eyed about both malign actors ples and his total commit-   <       D              He was often seen assuaging, nuanc- President Trump’s sudden and strategic competitors are ment to America’s service          ,         ing and balancing the more intemperate announcement to withdraw 2&2 /( -( strongly held and informed by members.” and outrageous statements made by the US US troops from Syria — some- 206 5 over four decades of immer- James Mattis will exit with         #   =   President. The straight-speaking former- thing that the professional sion in these issues.” the grace, sobriety and digni- # 0                <$(6<$  combatant remained insulated from the sensibilities of James Mattis  James Mattis’ resignation ty that come naturally to war-            # 0     E$  whimsicalities that typified Trump, and would have militated against.  "01 has re-triggered the whispers riors, as the daughter of fellow-                   (  unlike the President, Mattis stood up for Despite the ostensible of the uncontrollable and reck- combatant and fellow- his fellow-combatant Senator John McCain bravado, Mattis is also believed /&01 less decisions emanating from Republican, John McCain, had    # 5     -     0    in describing his passing away in a mov- to have disagreed with the 0,&/66&-& # the White House. Trump is said for her father (whilst con-  (     <$(6<$      6.$    ( ing way: “We have lost a man who stead- President on the hasty decision perennially on the short fuse textualising Trump): “We gath-    (  #              fastly represented the best ideals of our to withdraw from the Iranian .2 AN20 with the media which asks er here to mourn the passing country. As a Naval Officer and defiant nuclear deal. The prevailing probing questions, and now of American greatness. The  "     6.$    6   C    6  prisoner of war, John McCain stood with situation harks back to the /620 with the exit of the only per- real thing, not cheap rhetoric          0            his brothers-in-arms until they returned famous anonymous op-ed in /#05&20 son who could raise contrari- from men who will never      (     6      home together.” the Washington Post, attributed an views from within the sys- come near the sacrifice he The mass exodus of top officials from to a senior official, who speaks /0&10,O tem, the most important office gave so willingly. Nor the                   the Trump Administration has so far on behalf of those who work in 5/ #&AO in the world is dangerously opportunistic appropriation       5   <     included Secretary of State, Director CIA, the Trump administration by bereft of specialist alternatives of those who live lives of com- Director FBI, Secretary of Interior, noting, “The root of the prob- and sagely views. fort and privilege while he suf- Secretary Homeland Security, two White lem is the President’s amoral- The clash between the two fered and served.” House Chiefs of Staff, two National ity. Anyone who works with was in the offing with Bob (The writer, a military vet-      Security Advisors, three Deputy National him knows he is not moored Woodward’s bestselling book, eran, is a former Lt Governor Security Advisors, Homeland Security to any discernible first princi- Fear, depicting an irate James of Andaman & Nicobar Islands = ))7   $   $ %$$       * $ Advisor, White House Chief Strategist, ples that guide his decision- Mattis freezing Trump’s wild and Puducherry) > $ $ !"      2  &   *  $   +, !  >  , 6 $+.         ( /                " 71   " )   ' $            ' $.      - $   &         $  '$& O       '  " ,             " &     '       "          +      '       @        " . S             $   $      ' $ '   $       # $   ! 4(( %&.% , 4I)% ) . =*;% .-( .%&-   "      K   K  5  K( K(  ,  O           (      O  (               . .    . > .. 1   6+.>             0         ugly turn? Isn’t the show host         equally responsible for throwing      ,       such personal questions about   1234         5   6  -  Sir — The Goods and Services one’s sexual preferences and air-      LP   MK          )        Tax (GST) Council’s decision to ing it on national television? raise the threshold limit for 88L$&         Sumit            6   0   0    - 7600-8 exemption from registration and  $     '  " Via email                 -       payment of GST to 40 lakh and           $            9      the turnover limit for eligibility  '      '   '      to enter the composition scheme     $/                        to 1.5 crore is welcome, though N   O N     O                   ( it may be seen as a move to gar-    '       " Sir — This refers to the editor-          -        ner votes from small business-        $& &  ial, “Career suicide” (January men in the 2019 general elec-     N    O '   11). Being public figures, Hardik             S   "   tion.     $          Pandya and KL Rahul need to 6  600-              ( The relief, though, should   -    $       "" maintain proper behaviour.                  apply uniformly across the         @       "          "   Maturity is essential both on nation. As high inflation still '                        " and off the field. What they      S           persists, it is the right time that    $7  O   "  F  H.     think about women is their per-    $      :       the income tax exemption limit  '8+  F  @              Q sonal call, they need not share   600-                of 2.5 lakh (and 3 lakh for        '   " .*,) such awkward perspectives senior citizens) is raised. '     '  $6    openly on national television.             "     ( Mahesh Kapasi No doubt Hardik is a talent-  )                New Delhi ed cricketer, who has the poten-         S            learn how to behave in public India’s decision to send them      tial to drum up Indian batting     spaces. It was shocking to learn home is in the right direction. records, but such vulgar      "            ( that cricketers Hardik Pandya Along with facing a lot of statement has disheartened   6       600-         and KL Rahul could have made criticism of their misbehaviour, Sir — This refers to the editor- many. Although he apologised                 #  Sir — This refers to the editor- such uncouth remarks on a the duo may not be part of the ial, “Career suicide” (January after a public outcry, Hardik ial, “Career suicide” (January popular talk show. ongoing three-match ODI series 10). While the cricketers may be Pandya must learn what to speak         R     S   *   10). In India, cricketers are Their obtuse, sexist and and also miss the upcoming lim- at fault for having made some and when. $   !                 hero-worshipped by the youth. misogynistic comments were ited-over series in New Zealand, crude remarks on a talk show, Kirti Wadhawan                 #    ( If not for the Board of Control crass, to say the least. Both this month. One must bear the what about the celebrated host Kanpur for Cricket in India’s own code needed to pay for the disrepute consequences of his actions. of the talk show in question?                   of conduct, at least for the sake brought to the sport. Hence, the Bal Govind Could he not have stopped the  !?       of millions of fans, they must Board of Control for Cricket in Noida recording when things took an *%,,% &,)>) %% J!*+:) %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0 ! (H 8+"%/%*&8 *' +.>, >,. 

&   D((E$      (@(  #    $ $ +      3             #    *$  #*' (   $     +  ( + &         -& L( (  L        '   '     $  (  '        !   ?  $$ 72 $  $   =A &  $      $ $   % *    $ B  2 +,1 )$  $  &  *$    $*  $   $  $       $  5    5 (      D      06-   #                                               #      <       0D0 +D 0            5           (           -        D S     :-!      !    %     5               (          ; %.                 (              E"   D S       ( n amendment to the Right to Education Act (RTE-2009) passed earlier by the                 Lok Sabha in 2018 has also been passed             "   by the Rajya Sabha on January 3, 2019. -           : 5 Under this act, the no-detention poli-   .            ( Acy up to class VIII has been modified. The amend-               $  ed Act leaves it to the State Governments to either 5      -    5    continue with it as mandated in the original Act,                  ( or ask the schools to conduct examinations at the                  end of Classes V and VIII, as was practised before    * 0   06- <    !  S the RTE Act. It also stipulates that to avoid failures   -        0D0S      ( and detention, if a child is unsuccessful in the Class V exams, he would be given remedial inputs by the               school and examined again. Only if one does not     D S    -        ( succeed the second time, he would not be sent to   . <     (      next higher class, as he may find himself in a more 20 50,101            precarious situation than being detained in the same -7&J06/0015  $  5 S          class. The RTE Act was made operational on April 0J0/A 0 9             1, 2010, and the nation was assured that its total implementation would be achieved before March  (0&.,   S           10-&&,,                   31, 2013. People rarely trust such tall proclamations ning, an impossible proposition. CCE summarised the recommendations on implementing the CCE. Teacher shortage from the Government’s side, and once again, their ,"100,&, requires professionally trained teachers examination reforms in his book The and absenteeism, inadequate infrastruc-   06-      *       #&-A&.#10           0D0 70 8  ( apprehensions proved right. who must work within the framework of Education Commission and After, pub- ture and an uninviting environment in Nothing changed visibly in creating a learning J0/A&,0/0&,7 a well-thought-out and accepted lished in 1979. After incisively scrutinis- schools, lethargic approach to regular                 ( environment in sarkari schools; their downward 1A ,1 teacher-taught ratio. It requires teachers ing the implementation of the teacher recruitment and general deterio-        #       slide in credibility and public acceptability contin- , #A0.2&-2 who are competent, committed and will- Commission Report and the National ration could be cited as some of the con-                 ued virtually unchecked. Even now if the norms pre- 510#./( ing to perform their duties with devotion, Policy on Education of 1968, he writes: tributors. It was necessary in 2010 to have           "      scribed in the Act are genuinely scrutinised, 00/$50 ,.2� and are not frequently burdened by non- “The Commission suggested that we analysed the existing scenario before                 around 90 per cent of these schools will have to be 20/6 -/2  academic tasks. should move in the direction of abolish- announcing a three-year time frame, no   S   -          ( de-recognised. It speaks volumes of how shabbily With over 10 lakh vacant posts of ing external examinations and replacing exams and introduction of CCE. Non- the Act was implemented even during the much- -#120# school teachers in government schools them by a system of continuous internal comprehension of the ground level real-  D       <  0      ( &5/J0P #&A6   0D0           ( hyped three-year deadline for full implementation. and almost an equal number of ad hoc evaluation; that remuneration to exam- ity in the same year has once again delayed It became evident to everyone, even during the first 01- &,100/J0 teachers working on pittance of an hon- iners (which is the vested interest which the universalisation of education by at least        )    ( 7/0 0/ 0,&,$             ( three years of its implementation, that teachers orarium under debilitating pressure and tends to perpetuate the system) should be another decade. became increasingly indifferent and consequently 200&,-#10 stress of uncertainty of their jobs, the abolished; that more frequent periodical People’s apprehension is that with              (    there was a visible decline in learner attainment at &,&,7 implementation of CCE was a non- assessment should be introduced to changes introduced in the RTE Act in      "  G 0 S     primary and elementary levels. /07# /0 -20/ starter in a majority of the government reduce the importance of the final exter- 2019, dropout rates would increase.    S           Such observations came from all sides, the 7&J&,7&,"0/J&-0 schools. No teacher, howsoever commit- nal tests and examination technique One must remember that enrollment                   ( teachers’ accountability vanished rather complete- 01- &, ted and competent, could conduct CCE improved; that the certificate at the end figures are no guarantee of attendance         %         ly. The district and block level education officers, 0/J&,70 -20/ in a teacher-taught ratio of one to 50, or of school examinations should simply state in schools. There are several factors             who were expected to keep some semblance of even two to 150. Further, school teachers the performance of the candidate with- that led to dropout rates but the sud- supervision and monitoring of schools, and &,720 are assigned non-academic tasks like elec- out any declaration of having passed or den rise at the entrance to secondary -             ( / -&-06         D     exhort teachers to give ‘good’ results, had no such tion duties, counting of cattle heads, vac- failed; and that a system of complete inter- level is also being attributed to the obligation before them as the results were known: &,&,7 12- cinations and anything that requires cap- nal assessment of students, which is not non-learning module up to Class                0 -20/,5 ##    -         5S All pass and no fail. Children were happy and par- tive manpower. For district officers, mixed with external examination results, VIII, and then suddenly confronting ents, mostly from weaker sections, could not ini- /05,0/ &, ,1 teachers are the most pliable and obedi- be developed.” These recommendations external examination.      0D0         ( tially comprehend the implications of their wards 0&,70 -20/ ent set of people equipped to perform such were of far-reaching consequences and As the amended Act gives freedom               getting promoted to higher classes without acquir- / &,&,7 distracting assignments. had the potential to give the impetus to to every State to take its own decision on               ing the requisite learning. In practical terms, such &,&&,&, The implementation of the RTE Act education system. no-detention policy, it would be very inter-   #         0D0    children were being pushed into the dark alleys of /10/ was announced with much fanfare in Scrutinise the strength of another esting to study and analyse which model               ignorance and helplessness as they were neither 2010. Dadabhai Naoroji had pleaded for recommendation: “Examinations, espe- works better. Meanwhile, other factors that   S             in a position to pass Class VIII exams or cope with elementary education for all children. In cially public examinations, should be could help improve quality of education            ( learning in the secondary stage. All this created 1911, Gopal Krishna Gokhale had moved made more objective and reliable. deserve greater attention. Some include     06-         considerable disquiet when more and more chil- a Bill and resolution in the Central Evaluation should enable the teacher to appointing regular teachers, giving in-ser-        dren began dropping out. Legislature (1910-12) to the same effect. see the effectiveness of his instruction and vice education to serving teachers, stop- -                ( The RTE Act had another interesting stipu- It was, as expected, rejected. enable the pupils to judge the results of ping the practice of appointing ad hoc lation that stated that the year-end examinations Implementation of the century-old aspi- their learning efforts. It should thus act teachers on small remuneration and      5 %        would be replaced by the Continuous and ration could become a legal reality only as an instrument of improving both the above all, setting teacher training institu-             D S Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE), which was to in 2010. Who does not recall the empha- teaching and learning processes, includ- tions in order.                 ( be regularly conducted by the teacher, its outcome sis Mahatma Gandhi laid on education for ing the content of courses and method New evaluation procedures have to               analysed and parents were also taken into confi- all? In 2010, the recommendation on of teaching.” Obviously, these recommen- be introduced taking cognisance of the     %            dence whenever and wherever found necessary. CCE, too, was presented as if it was a huge dations included acceptance of the CCE. availability of Information and          (       Further, it was to be utilised to provide remedial innovative and historic recommendation JP Naik lamented that “very little prac- Communications Technology (ICT),              teaching to children found deficient in their learn- being made for the first time, which was tical effect has been given to these rec- emergence of fresh sources of learning and       "        er attainments. The idea of CCE is based on sound unfortunately not so. The Kothari ommendations” and that in spite of a the advent of new methods and practice           pedagogical principles. However, its implementa- Commission (1964-66) had made com- well-established unreliability of external of teaching. Every effort needs to be made                   tion requires certain optimal inputs of infrastruc- prehensive commendations on examina- examinations, we continue to depend to help children enjoy their childhood. ture and professional readiness. As most of the tion reforms. rather solely on them. That is the key to quality learning.             !     schools were deficient on both of these counts, the JP Naik, illustrious educationist and Over the years, conditions have (The writer is the Indian Representative  "      # implementation of CCE was, right from the begin- Secretary of the Kothari Commission, become more and more unfavourable for on the Executive Board of UNESCO)  $   2  @  $ >+4,5                                          !"    #

of trucks backed up on the roads will rule the streets. (I made that one Government] shambles. I just know leading to the cross-Channel termi- up, but you get the picture.) that it will be an abysmal shambles. nals. So the drivers parked their The problem is that nobody “People who say that the deal is trucks on the airfield, then drove believes her. May has manipulated the worst of all worlds haven’t under- down to the port in convoy while the the parliamentary rules and sched- stood how bad things might get,” traffic-control experts counted the ules to make it appear that there are Hague concluded. As May herself vehicles. This wasn’t the 10,000- no legal alternatives except her deal admits, a no-deal Brexit is “unchart- : 65 truck gridlock jamming the roads or a catastrophic no-deal Brexit, but ed territory.”  #  P that might happen in late March, it she just doesn’t convince as a suicide So what will really happen when here’s no need to practise was a single file of 89 trucks driving bomber. Indeed, there was a vote in Parliament starts voting later this   bleeding, as the soldiers say, sedately along an uncrowded road. Parliament last week that blocked the month? There will almost certainly Tbut the British Government It looked like an exercise in futility, Government’s ability to make tax be more than one vote, as the 650      didn’t get the message. On January a Potemkin traffic-jam. changes connected with a no-deal members of the House of Commons, 5O   7, it paid 89 truck-drivers £550 each Yet it did have a rational purpose Brexit without Parliament’s “explic- no longer constrained by party loy- '    ($700) to simulate the immense traf- — a political purpose. It was being it consent.” That doesn’t actually alty — it’s too important for that —     fic jam that will happen in Kent if staged to persuade the British pub- theological — but the upshot is that is threatening to jump off a bridge, mean that it cannot happen, unfor- swing this way and that. But there Britain crashes out of the European lic, and especially the British May cannot get Parliament to pass and take everybody else with her, if tunately. Parliament can block her may not be a majority for any spe- '$   Union (EU) without a deal at the end Parliament that Prime Minister the exit deal she made with the EU, they don’t back her deal. It has deal but unless it can agree on some cific course of action, in which case  @  'R of March. Theresa May’s Conservative which would at least keep the trade become a game of chicken. The cha- other course of action, Brexit hap- Parliament will probably end up vot- -   ' The drivers had to bring their Government really will take the UK flowing. She just doesn’t have the rade in Kent is part of a government pens automatically — without a ing for a second referendum. May     0$ vehicles to Manston, a disussed out of the EU without any deal if votes. And she can’t get the EU to show-and-tell campaign to prove that deal. And that really would be nasty. has sworn that she will never allow & 5  ' World War Two-vintage airfield in Parliament does not accept her deal. amend the deal either. she really means it. So are the pre- How nasty? William Hague, a that, because it would be a betrayal Kent, where the Government is May’s deal is almost universally dis- The opposition to her deal in dictions that the chaos at the former leader of the Conservative of the 52 per cent who voted ‘Leave’      R planning to park 4,000 big trucks if liked. The Remainers hate it because Parliament is so strong that she can- Channel ports will be so bad that Party, summed it up well in the Daily in the first referendum in June @    a ‘no-deal Brexit’ on March 29 leads they don’t want to leave the EU at all, celled a scheduled vote on it a Britain will have to charter planes to Telegraph: “I don’t know what will 2016. But in the end she probably    $ to new customs checks on trucks and the Brexit hardliners in her own month ago because she was bound bring scarce medicines in, and that follow a rejection of [May’s] deal...a will allow it, because she is not a sui-       heading for Europe. Every extra two party hate it because it keeps Britain to lose it. She is now committed to supermarket shelves will be bare constitutional shambles, a second ref- cide bomber.    $ minutes’ delay at customs, say the too closely tied to the EU. Never holding the vote on January 15 — but (Britain imports 30 per cent of its erendum shambles, a no-deal exit (The writer is an independent experts, would mean another 15 km mind the details — they are almost she still doesn’t have the votes. So she food from the EU), and that zombies shambles, a Corbyn [Labour journalist)       %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0  F(

7 $   2 .  $        5      $ #         $%$$ C , $ (  ,0.10#2& he Government has re- Tpromulgated an ordinance (  55 & to the American unit. to amend the companies law to Between April and further improve the ease of he Reserve Bank remained November 2108, the central doing business as well as ensure Ta net seller of dollars in bank has net sold $26.51 billion better compliance levels. November 2018, as it sold $644 of dollars in the spot market. Since the Bill to make million of the greenback on a This compares with a net pur- amendments to the Companies net basis in the spot market, chase of $18.017 billion made Act, 2013, is pending in the according to the latest data in the same period in 2017. Rajya Sabha, the ordinance from the Central bank. The RBI has, so far, has been re-promulgated. As against this, in remained a net-seller of the US The Lok Sabha passed the $  !,   "  M* -  November 2017, the Central currency in the current fiscal. Bill on January 4. *  % L !  N   %  bank had purchased $2.570 bil- In FY18, the apex bank had The Companies    (     ,- << <;&    sold $1.706 billion, while in the from the spot market, taking its 2019, was issued on Saturday,     - *   D reporting month, the monetary total dollar purchase to $52.068 according to the official gazette.   authority bought $3.127 billion billion, while selling $18.379 To amend the Companies from the spot market, and sold billion, this helped the country Act, the Government had first $3.771 billion, show the data. for the first time scale a life- issued the ordinance in The rupee had a better run time peak of $426.028 billion November and the same would in the past fiscal, while it was for the week to April 13, 2018 have ceased to be operational one of the worst among its in forex reserves. But since from January 21. emerging market peers this then, the forex kitty has been The amendments would fiscal year, which explains the fluctuating and mostly sliding. help reduce the burden on reasons for the RBI interven- In the forward dollar mar- special courts and bring tion in the forex market. ket, the outstanding net forward down applicable penalties for  ,0.10#2& Oil Corp, petrol price in the taxes. In October 2018 also, the sales at the end of November small companies, among oth- Delhi was increased to 69.75 As per the country’s RBI was a net seller of dollars, 2018 was $1.924 billion, com- ers. ransport fuel rates were per litre on Sunday, while in dynamic pricing mechanism, after it purchased $945 million pared to sale of $2.888 billion The ordinance has amend- Thiked for the fifth time this Kolkata, Mumbai and the domestic fuel prices and sold $8.149 billion of the in October, show the RBI data. ed 16 sections of the Act so as month and saw their steepest Chennai, the fuel cost 71.87, depend upon international US currency in the spot market. In the week to January 4, to modify the punishments rise on Sunday, amid global 75.39 and 72.40 per litre, fuel prices on a 15-day average Normally, the central bank 2109, the forex kitty swelled by from fine to monetary penal- crude oil rates continuing to respectively. and the value of the rupee. sells dollars to contain rupee $2.68 billion to a tad over ties to lessen the burden on the climb handsomely following Similarly, the price of Following the implemen- volatility as it does not officially $396 billion, making the week Special Courts. 0 * &  ,*  * *!  the implementation of output diesel went up on Sunday in tation of production cuts by set a price level for the rupee, the best in terms of accretion Besides enhancing the   = *  *  -( 2   cuts by oil producers from the national capital to 63.69 the Organisation of Petroleum which is only partly fully float- in the past 12 months period. jurisdiction of Regional    M7 7 N,   *  *    January 1. per litre. Exporting Countries (OPEC) ing as the country does not Overall reserves had Director for compounding 4   ,  2  ! *  ,    ,-  State-run oil marketing In Kolkata, Mumbai and and non-OPEC producers, allow full capital account con- increased by $116.4 million to offences, the amended provi-   companies increased petrol Chennai, diesel sold at 65.46, global crude rates have been vertibility. $393.404 billion in the previous sions empower the central rates by 49-60 paise per litre 66.66 and 67.26 a litre, hardening and the UK Brent In first five months of this reporting week. In the report- Government to allow certain on Sunday, while diesel prices respectively. crude closed over the weekend fiscal year, the central bank has ing week, foreign currency companies to have a different were raised by 59-75 paise With petroleum products at nearly $62 a barrel after hav- sold a whopping $34 billion as assets, a major component of financial year instead of being across the four major metros. being outside the GST regime, ing fallen below $50 last the rupee was on a roller- overall reserves,rose $2.215 determined by the National As per data from Indian prices vary as a result of local month. coaster, plumbing a low of 74 billion to $370.292 billion. Company Law Tribunal. #=)     IHJ%  :$:S      ' *+8T"8I #)"   $  =          (  ,0.10#2& and non-tax revenue side - par- per cent for FY19 compared to 2 @   ticularly disinvestment. the budgeted estimate of 3.3 per ?  eeting the fiscal deficit “As a result of revenue cent. This means that FY19 will (  (#(  capacity. Mtarget of 3.3 per cent of shortfalls from GST collec- be the third consecutive year in  5   655 59,   NCL is already supplying ( ,0.10#2& GDP for the current fiscal tions, lower excise duty and which fiscal deficit/GDP will be % 4 * ,  < 4  8 tate-run power producer 2.5 Lakh tonnes of coal per could be a challenge for the below target disinvestment 3.5 per cent,” it said.  &  <<,;>

n a consumer-friendly mea- (  ,0.10#2& any violation committed by the (  55 & tonnes of horticultural items. Isure, the revenue depart- ex-management or any taint- "In the export policy, we ment is planning to make it he National Company Law ed/illegal transaction by ex- iven the rising challenge to have decided to remove all mandatory for composition TTribunal (NCLT) has directors or anyone else the Gthe free trade, Commerce restrictions on organic prod- dealers and service providers to admitted the insolvency plea Interim Resolution and Industry Minister Suresh ucts and processed products. declare their GST registration against Parsvnath Landmark Professional/Resolution Prabhu said Sunday that while Both the UAE and Saudi want status in invoices to ensure that Developers, filed by three of its Professional would be at liber- the aim is to open up more for to invest in both organic as well they do not charge any tax from flat builders, for inordinate ty to make appropriate appli- free trade and make WTO as food processing industries. buyers. delay and non-refund of their cation” before it for passing an more efficient, the government This will be a win-win situation The measure, once imple- payment. appropriate order. is also keen to work on bilateral for the UAE, Saudi, and other mented, would check the wide- The tribunal has also It has also directed the trade with more nations. GCC countries but also for us, spread practice of composition appointed Yash Jeet Basrar, an Registrar of Companies to update "One of the big challenges tion can be in the form of tech- particularly for our farmers, dealers of charging GST from nesses registered under GST, should not pay GST while buy- interim resolution professional “the status of ‘corporate debtor’ before the world is protection- nical assistance, financial assis- who want better prices to their purchasers and not depositing about 20 lakh have opted for ing goods from composition (RP), to run the corporate insol- and specific mention regarding ism. We as a country are sup- tance and a trade agreement produce," he said. it with the exchequer, an offi- composition scheme. scheme dealers,” the official vency resolution process of admission of this petition must porting open trade with all the which will not initially have any Saudi Arabia has said it can cial said. “It has come to the notice said. Parsvnath Landmark Developers, be notified” on its portal. countries....But we also want to ambitious targets but will be a make investment in logistics, The revenue department is of the Government that a large To ease compliance burden a subsidiary of real estate firm For Tribunal direction came develop bilateral trade agree- win-win for both the parties. food parks and make sector- also planning to launch a cam- number of composition deal- for small businesses, the GST Parsvnath Developers. over a petition filed by Alka ments with many countries. Prabhu, who is also the specific investment in food paign to educate consumers ers are levying GST at higher law provides for composition A two-member bench of Agarwal and two others, who For each of the geographies we Civil Aviation Minister, said the processing, Prabhu said. that the dealers opting for rates and not depositing it scheme under which traders the NCLT headed by President had booked flat at La Tropicana are keen to have free trade United Arab Emirates and The farm export policy composition scheme are not with the Government,” the and manufacturers with an Justice M M Kumar has direct- project of Parsvnath Landmark agreements with the countries Saudi Arabia have decided to will go a long way in reducing required to charge the goods official said. annual turnover of up to 1 ed all the personnel “connect- Developers at Khyber Pass in in Latin America, Africa, use India as a base for their wastage, the minister said. and services tax (GST) from According to the proposal crore can pay 1 per cent GST. ed with the corporate debtor Delhi for a consideration of Southeast Asia," he said, adding food security. On the Udan policy, he purchasers, the official said. being considered by the This threshold will increase to (Parsvnath Landmark 10.93 crore. that New Delhi already has "This is happening at an said the government will Under the GST composi- Central Board of Indirect Taxes 1.5 crore from April 1. Developers), erstwhile direc- According to the flat buyer trade pacts with ASEAN and interesting time because we just announce its phase III in the tion scheme, traders and man- and Customs (CBIC), busi- Also the GST Council, tors, promoters or any other agreement executed between some other countries. had made a policy for agricul- next few days, which will also ufacturers are required to pay nesses will have to mandatori- headed by Arun Jaitley and person associated with the the parties on October 1, 2009, Addressing a CII event, ture exports which has identi- focus on air cargo. On January only 1 per cent GST on goods ly mention in the invoice gen- comprising State Ministers, in management of the corporate Parsvnath Landmark he also said there has been an fied food items that can be 15, the government will be which otherwise attract a high- erated by them that they are its meeting on January 10 per- debtor” to extend every assis- Developers was to hand over ongoing discussion with Sri exported," he said. announcing the first air cargo er levy of either 5, 12 or 18 per composition dealers and, mitted service provider and tance and cooperation to the the possession within 36 Lanka for a Comprehensive He informed that this year policy, Prabhu added. cent. Such dealers are also not hence, are not required to those dealing in both goods RP in managing the affairs of months from the date of com- Economic Partnership the country would be produc- The UAE and Saudi Arabia permitted to charge GST from charge GST. and services with a turnover of the company. mencement of construction Agreement (CEPA). ing 290 million tonnes of farm are keen to invest in all these the purchaser. “Simultaneously, we will 50 lakh to opt for composition The tribunal has also with grace period of six For countries in Africa like produce as per advance esti- infrastructure initiatives, he Of the 1.17 crore busi- educate consumers that they scheme. directed that “in case there is months. Angola, he said such associa- mates, and 305-310 million said. %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0 FF

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" 36,  ! *$ 9 %, ! -  )$6/ 9%$ ",: --  - .'*$)/  -  )$6B   -   ; 33$'6%2'    )*/ .8    .8 )$B   ! %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0  !F)       & :"#%&,*&7  Q6   R'  @    ++%&,# <=>  3        "&+ " #+*& #( ,10/# ,1 he stood outside the Bridges On match days, the stadi- #( 12 Saudi Arabia, the UAE, MESA,” Pompeo said in Cairo. #( . 2&,7, Amendment Act, or LOVE main shopping centre. um roar drifts throughout Bahrain and Egypt — all US But the task is not going to act, the law is valid for 90 days t just needs to be sorted,” said “It’s disrespecting my vote Sunderland’s streets. S Secretary of State Mike allies — cut ties with Qatar in be easy. here doesn’t seem to be and will spare future brides like I23-year-old Adam Green, a completely. Myself and my “Sunderland is a city where UPompeo arrived in Qatar June 2017, accusing it of sup- “It is complicated to put Tmuch love in the air in Claire O’Rourke from finding frustrated Leave voter in Brexit- whole family voted for us to people feel quite rooted, with a on Sunday pushing for an end porting terrorist groups and together, make no mistake Washington these days, as a themselves in Kafkaesque sit- backing Sunderland, where come out,” he said. strong sense of community,” to a diplomatic rift between seeking closer ties to Saudi about it, because we’re talking long and bitter Government uations. patience with parliamentary “The MPs need to get their said Peter Hayes, the universi- Washington’s Gulf allies on the arch-rival Iran. about a complex agreement shutdown drags on with no end “Practically, we couldn’t delays over Britain’s departure heads down and get us out. ty’s senior lecturer in politics. latest leg of his Middle East Qatar — also a US ally — among a number of nations in sight. sign all the legal certificates is wearing thin. “I just want it over and “That perhaps makes them tour. denies the allegations and where we’re asking for signifi- But couples whose mar- during the shutdown without The former shipbuilding done with because I’m sick of feel a little bit less cosmopoli- The top US diplomat’s visit accuses the countries of seek- cant commitments from them,” riage plans were thwarted by having a marriage licence,” city in northeast England, hearing about Brexit,” he tan,” he told AFP. to the small, energy-rich Gulf ing regime change. Pompeo told reporters in Abu the partial shutdown have got- O’Rourke, a Washingtonian where the Nissan carmaker added. “There’s a kind of anti-elite state comes amid a more than Washington, which at first Dhabi on Saturday. ten a break, thanks to the who was preparing to wed plant is now the lifeblood, The University of feeling in Sunderland,” he said, 18-month-old dispute pitting appeared to back the boycott, “But I believe that there is action of Mayor Muriel Bowser fiance Sam Bockenhauer, told played a starring role in Sunderland campus was built explaining the Leave vote -- Riyadh and its allies against has so far been unsuccessful in a path forward where there’s a and city council. AFP. Britain’s seismic decision to in the 1990s on the site of for- which went against Japanese Doha. trying to get the countries to set set of common understand- The city’s Marriage Bureau, “So we were going to have leave the European Union. mer shipyards that once dom- automaker Nissan’s preference. “It is time for old rivalries aside their differences in order ings.” part of the US capital’s federally a wonderful party, of course, The city’s 61 per cent vote inated the banks of the River “If we leave the EU on bad to end for the sake of the to focus on Washington’s In Doha, Pompeo is funded court system, had been but couldn’t be legally married in favour of leaving in the Wear in this working-class city terms, there are very serious greater good of the region,” regional priority — the fight expected to meet with several deemed “nonessential” and in DC until we got our mar- 2016 referendum signalled of 275,000 people. economic problems that Pompeo said on Thursday in against Iran. senior government leaders, shuttered as part of the thorny riage license.” early on where the nation was Sunderland was a coal Sunderland is going to face,” he Cairo, where he laid out the Attempts at mediation have including Qatari Foreign standoff between President Some couples, like Dan heading on the night of June trading port, had its own col- added, saying that if Nissan Middle East strategy of US stalled, as highlighted by the Minister Sheikh Mohammed Donald Trump and congres- Pollock and Danielle 23, 2016 and celebrations at the lieries, was a glassmaking cen- shifted production to Europe, President Donald Trump’s recent resignation of US envoy bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. sional Democrats. Geanacopoulos, had no time to count were beamed world- tre and boasted a major brew- it would be a “disaster”. adminstration. Anthony Zinni — who quit The two are expected to But on Friday, Bowser spare. wide. ery. Britain’s largest car factory The secretary of state trav- because of an apparent “lack of hold a joint press conference on signed an emergency measure They managed to get their Now, as MPs prepare for The heavy industry has employs more than 7,000 elled to Doha from Abu Dhabi, will” on behalf of “regional Sunday. authorising city officials to val- wedding licence on December Tuesday’s decision on whether largely evaporated, though the workers and builds 500,000 where he met with Crown leaders” for regional reconcil- Qatar’s relationship with idate marriages in the absence 27, just two days before their or not to back the divorce deal docks are still going and ships’ vehicles per year, including Prince Mohammed bin Zayed iation. Iran is complicated as it shares of the Marriage Bureau, which scheduled wedding. struck between London and horns echo amongst the cranes. the Juke, Qashqai and electric on Saturday. For Washington, turning the world’s largest natural gas closed when the budget stand- “By the time we figured out Brussels, voters in Sunderland Besides its current car- Leaf models. Pompeo is later expected to the page on the crisis is essen- field with Tehran. off began on December 22. we couldn’t get a licence, we are urging them to get on with making prowess, Sunderland’s Some 55 per cent are head to Riyadh, where all eyes tial for the successful launch of Gas has been responsible “They can shut down the were running out of time it and get Britain out. pride now rests on its football exported tariff-free to the EU. will be on a possible meeting the Strategic Alliance of the for transforming Qatar into one US government, but they can- before friends and family were The years of wrangling team. Stephen O’Brien, a city with Crown Prince Middle East (MESA), which is of the richest countries in the not shut down love in the coming to Washington to cel- since the referendum over how, Despite two straight rele- councillor for the pro-EU Mohammed bin Salman. a NATO-style security pact world, since it first began District of Columbia,” City ebrate with us,” Geanacopoulos or even if, Britain leaves have gations to the third-tier League opposition Liberal Democrats, The visit comes just three that includes Gulf countries as exporting liquefied natural gas Council member Brandon said. certainly dampened the high One, the Black Cats still draw said a no-deal Brexit’s effect months after the murder of well as Egypt and Jordan. little more than 20 years ago. Todd said when he introduced “So we focused on the spirits of that 2016 June night. huge crowds to games at their on the city’s manufacturing Saudi journalist Jamal “Today, we ask each of It has also agreed to the measure. really important thing — cel- “It’s become an absolute 49,000-seater Stadium of Light, would be “more devastating Khashoggi in his country’s those countries to take the increase gas production since Titled the Let Our Vows ebrating — and decided to joke,” said Green, who is unem- built on the site of a disused than losing the pits and the Istanbul consulate. next step and help us solidify the beginning of the crisis. Endure Emergency figure out the rest later.” ployed for medical reasons, as coal mine. boat industry”. A   *8        '     .7      ,"  -           #( / 5 ## 2 Hamas has since fought Abbas say he is looking for other (  0&&,7 #(  , three bloody wars with Israel measures to punish Hamas. he decade-long Palestinian and fears of a fourth remain. Among these could be wenty-one workers were emeni rebels on Sunday Tsplit looks set to deepen in Multiple reconciliation removing staff from the cross- Tkilled after a roof collapsed Yboycotted a meeting the coming months, with pres- attempts between the ings between Israel and Gaza - at a coal mine in northwestern chaired by the head of a UN- ident Mahmud Abbas poised to Palestinian factions have failed - making it hard for the Jewish China, State media reported on led ceasefire monitoring team take multiple measures against but Egypt thought it had made state to allow anything into the Sunday. in the flashpoint city of Gaza to squeeze its Islamist a breakthrough in late 2017 territory without dealing direct- Eighty-seven people were Hodeida, accusing him of pur- rulers Hamas. when the two sides agreed to ly with Hamas, which it and working underground in the suing “other agendas”. The moves raise concerns eventually share power. many other countries label a ter- Lijiagou coal mine in the Retired Dutch general of more suffering for Gaza’s two As part of that agreement rorist organisation. Shaanxi Province at the time of Patrick Cammaert is leading a million residents, already under Hamas withdrew from border They could also include the accident on Saturday after- joint committee, which an Israeli blockade and facing crossings between Gaza and cutting salaries to families of noon, state-run Xinhua news includes both government and severe electricity shortages, Egypt and Israel, allowing the Hamas prisoners or rescinding agency reported. rebel representatives, tasked while a cornered Hamas could Fatah-dominated Palestinian Palestinian passports for Hamas Initial reports said that 19 with overseeing a truce in the renew violence against Israel. Authority to return and the employees. people were killed while 66 Red Sea port city and the with- Analysts say the measures Egyptian border to be reopened Abbas has also pledged to others airlifted to safety. drawal of both parties. will also widen the gap between regularly. The reconciliation dissolve the Hamas-dominated Rescuers found two more bod- Huthi rebel negotiator Hamas-run Gaza and the occu- agreement has since collapsed Palestinian parliament, which ies of trapped miners on Mohammed Abdelsalam said pied West Bank, where Abbas’s acrimoniously. though it hasn’t met since the Sunday, the report said. Cammaert “steered from the government has limited self- On Sunday, the PA 2007 split is still nominally the The cause of the accident at course of the agreement by rule. announced it would withdraw basis for new laws. the site, run by Baiji Mining, is implementing other agendas”. Hamas and Abbas’s secular from the Egyptian border cross- “Very important decisions still under investigation. “If (UN envoy to Yemen Fatah party have been at log- ing, creating a dilemma for against Hamas are being dis- Though the number of Martin) Griffiths does not gerheads since the Islamists Cairo about whether to leave it cussed,” a senior official said on deaths has reduced at coal address the issue, it is going to seized control of Gaza from open with Hamas in control. condition of anonymity. mines in recent years, mining be difficult to discuss any other Abbas’s forces in a near civil war So far they have indicated It follows a series of arrests accidents are common in matter,” he said on Twitter in 2007, a year after sweeping- they will. of those affiliated with Fatah in China, the world’s largest coal without elaborating. 0           " 0     ing parliamentary elections. Senior officials close to Gaza, according to Abbas allies. producer. 3       7$  $    P     ,  $            (  . 2&,7, istration. “The Washington Post is $7$$  “I don’t care. I mean I had almost as bad as probably as (  0&&,7 space superpower. Celsius, while the lowest at S President Donald Trump a conversation like every pres- bad as The New York Times. #( 02/ , ence,” Ghasemi added. Since the moon’s revolution night could fall to minus 183 Uhas denied reports ident does, you sit with the I have a one-on-one meet- The summit was announced hina’s Chang’e-4 lunar cycle is the same as its rotation degrees Celsius. that he did not share details of president of various countries. ing with Putin like I do with ran’s Foreign Ministry sum- last week by US Secretary of State Crover, which is exploring cycle, the same side always In 2013, China launched some his meetings with We had a great conversation. every other leader and I had Imoned Poland’s top diplo- Mike Pompeo, who said dozens the dark side of the moon, will faces the Earth. The other face, Chang’e-3, the country’s first his Russian counterpart We were talking about Israel many one-on-ones. Nobody mat in the country to protest its of countries would participate. measure the freezing night most of which cannot be seen spacecraft to soft-land on the Vladimir Putin, saying that he and securing Israel and lots of ever says anything about it,” he decision to host what it called an They will “focus on Middle East temperature, scientists said on from the Earth, is called the far moon. The scientific instru- would not mind releasing those other things and it was a great said. “anti-Iranian” summit, a spo- stability and peace and freedom Sunday. side or the “dark side” of the ments on its lander are still details. conversation. I’m not keeping “I meet with every kesman said on Sunday. Poland’s and security here in this region, Chang’e-4, named after a moon, not because it is dark, operating after more than 60 “Well, I would (release anything under wraps. I could- leader…individually. I meet charge d’affaires was summoned and that includes an important Chinese moon goddess and but because most of it is lunar nights in the past five details of the conversations n’t care less,” he said. with (Prime Minister to “protest the anti-Iranian so- element of making sure that Iran comprising a lander and a uncharted. years, state-run Xinhua news with Putin)… I am not keep- “Why not release the con- Narendra) Modi. I meet with called peace and security con- is not a destabilising influence,” rover, touched down on the A lunar day equals 14 days agency reported. ing anything under wraps,” versation that you had with (Shinzo) Abe (of Japan), I meet ference,” said foreign ministry he told Fox News. dark side of the moon on on the Earth, and a lunar night “It was a success, but Trump told Fox news in President Putin in Helsinki with them. Nobody says any- spokesman Bahram Ghasemi on Poland’s representative in January 3, the first-ever soft is the same length. Chang’e-3 was designed an interview following a along with some other stuff?” thing. But, I meet with Putin, his Telegram channel. Iran, Wojciech Unolt, reported- landing on the far side of the Temperatures vary enormous- according to foreign tempera- report by the Washington Post he was asked by Fox News fol- they make a big deal. Anybody He was told “this is a hostile ly said the conference, to be held moon by any country. ly between day and night on ture data,” Zhang He, the exec- that claimed he has lowing the damaging report by could have listened to that act by the United States against February 13-14 in Warsaw, was It was a giant leap for cos- the moon. utive director of the Chang’e-4 concealed details of his face-to- The Washington Post. meeting. That meeting is open Iran and Poland is expected to not anti-Iranian and that Poland mic exploration and a major Scientists estimate that the probe project from the China face encounters with Putin Trump described the news for grabs,” Trump said, denying refrain from going along with did not share recent remarks by boost to the Communist highest temperature during the Academy of Space Technology from senior officials in admin- report as “ridiculous”. the Post report. the US in holding this confer- the US against Iran. nation’s quest to become a day might reach 127 degrees (CAST), told Xinhua. !-*       '1  A@5*  $  2  $          *   #( (2 /5 in the capital Khartoum and )  $ -.-.  $ other towns including Madani, group organising anti-gov- Kosti and Dongola as part of (  , ,,& Two days after the president He made the announce- #( 20, Independent Greeks party makers voted late on Friday to Aernment protests across what they have called a “Week visited the border to promote his ment as a government shutdown (ANEL) “is pulling out of the rename their country the Sudan vowed to stage new of Uprising”. They also urged ssailing President Donald promised wall, Castro mocked drags into the longest in U.S. reece’s Defence Minister, government”. Republic of North Macedonia demonstrations on Sunday, protests in Niyala and El- ATrump for “a crisis of lead- Trump for claiming that the U.S. History, and as the field of 2020 Gwho is head of the main The nationalist ANEL but the agreement now needs including for the first time in Fasher in Darfur, the first such ership,” former Obama Cabinet Faces an “invasion” from its ally contenders widens. coalition partner of Prime supports the Tsipras adminis- backing from the Greek par- the war-torn region of Darfur. rallies to be called in the region. member Julian Castro joined the to the south. “He called it a nati- Castro was San Antonio’s Minister Alexis Tsipras, tration with its seven law- liament to come into effect. Protests that erupted in “The people of Niyala and 2020 presidential race on onal security crisis,” Castro said. mayor for five year and U.S. announced his resignation on makers and has six ministers For the Greeks, the provinces on December 19 El-Fasher, we call on you to Saturday as the rush of “Well, there is a crisis today. Housing secretary in President Sunday ahead of an upcoming and junior ministers in the Macedonia is the name of a after the government tripled gather in downtown like other Democrats making early moves It’s a crisis of leadership. Barack Obama’s second term. parliamentary vote to end a government. history-rich northern province the price of bread have esca- towns and villages who are call- to challenge the incumbent Donald Trump has failed to He became the second Dem- 27-year name dispute with Kammenos had threat- that was the cradle of lated into nationwide anti-gov- ing on President Bashir to step accelerates, while anticipation uphold the values of our great ocrat to formally enter race, after Macedonia. ened to pull out of the Alexander the Great’s ancient ernment rallies, with demon- down,” the Sudanese grows around bigger names still nation.” former Maryland Rep. John “The Macedonia issue Government when the empire. strators calling for President Professionals’ Association said considering a White House run. Castro, the 44-year-old Delaney. Sen. Elizabeth Warren does not allow me not to sac- name deal comes to a vote in “Within ten days, in Omar al-Bashir to resign. in a joint statement with an Castro, who could end up grandson of a Mexican immi- of Massachusetts has also start- rifice my post,” Panos Athens from the any case as soon as the Authorities say at least 24 alliance of opposition groups. being the only Latino in what is grant, said he was running for ed an exploratory committee for Kammenos said after a meet- moment Tsipras signed the (Macedonia parliamentary people have died in the Darfur, a region the size of shaping up to be a crowded president “because it’s time for president, and four other ing with Tsipras. agreement with Macedonian vote) result is notified to us protests, while rights group France, has been torn by vio- Democratic field, made immi- new leadership, because it’s time Democratic senators are taking “I thanked the prime min- Prime Minister Zoran Zaev in and if we see that everything Human Rights Watch has put lence since 2003 when ethnic gration a centerpiece of his for new energy and it’s time for steady steps toward running. ister for the cooperation and I June. is in order, we will vote (to the death toll at 40, including minority rebels took up arms announcement in his hometown a new commitment to make Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, the explained to him that for this However some of his approve) the Prespes children and medical staff. against Khartoum, accusing it of San Antonio, less than 200 sure that the opportunities that first Hindu elected to Congress, national issue we cannot con- ANEL party’s MPs remain Agreement,” Tsipras told Open On Sunday, protest organ- of economic and political mar- miles from the U.S.-Mexico I’ve had are available to every said this week she is planning a tinue,” he said, adding that his ambivalent. Macedonian law- TV earlier this week. isers called for demonstrations ginalisation. border. American.” bid, too.  F3 %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0

Sharjah, Singapore, and USA, among oth- ers. One of the special features were the stalls by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). (     We all know about various estab- 6#!   lished publishing houses that cater to our bookworm mindsets. However, book-  <  stores situated at corners of the city offer the best experience. Similar was the case "   $   at the fair. '     At hall number 12, a book stall   ' $ named Kapoor & Sons had put on sale    some vintage and antique books that are no longer available in print. The stall was '   '  almost a hallowed space for avid readers  J L1'  and even historians. It featured maga-    ' zines, whose published dates hailed back   $& &  to the 1980s and 90s. It exhibited books    like Lenin: Letters from Afar, Leo Tolstoy’s Childhood in their vintage covers, pages     of which had started to decay because of      their age. There were some books, whose    publication highlighted an era even  $5 before the retro — 1950s. One of the best features of the stall were the antique    Marvel comics with stories of The Mighty    Thor, Iron Man, Powerpuff Girls,   ' Superman, Avengers The Dark Knight,   among others that today celebrated their     30th anniversaries. Other stalls featured book houses that        had put on sale the books by weight or       by quantity.      ' There was yet another stall —      $ Navrang Printers — that grabbed sev- . '  o many books, so little time. This is eral eyeballs as it showcased a book on the feeling one gets when one enters Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which  $M Sthe New Delhi World Book Fair. One was carved in his shape and size. The J    feels practically submerged in a sea — :*+# #% life-sized book titled Narendra Modi- Ek    ,  $2 which promises to make you travel far — Sakaratmak Soch, was a compilation of    without having to move so much as an his quotes from his Mann ki Baat pro- @     ' $ inch. grammes. The publisher and author, While the nine-day fair saw a num- Apurva Shah said, “The book seems to       ber of publication houses, authors and be just a cut out when they look at it     '  $ poets and readers participating in liter- from afar, but when we tell them that it’s ary dialogues, the eighth day of the fair #/"! a book, they find the concept very inter- saw several book releases. One of them esting. People get amazed.” O++ was controversial author Taslima  Nasreen’s Besharam. The book is a sequel (    to her bestselling novel Lajja. = # % (  D     E -./1       However, the 2019 edition also However, while there were special   grabbed eyeballs of not only book lovers    2$    $  %  attractions, the nine-day fair also faced   but also of some casual onlookers as well. some major challenges.   $ 2    $   $ $ The venue — Pragati Maidan —   ($  $? *   %  $ $ $ itself seemed to pose a major problem While 2018’s theme for the fair was for the visitors as well as booksellers and  P environmental issues, this year it focussed     )>&>&! 37==&" soon made available in Hindi. The pro- publishers. Due to construction and ren- @ '  on books for ‘Readers with special needs.’ ject aimed to facilitate a better under- ovation held at the venue, the shortage    0+ ! The theme’s idea was to emphasise on standing of Arabic literary style, culture of space was felt acutely. As compared !  P ! more inclusive learning and reading tries — during the nine-day fair. It the foreign pavilion featured books and and writing. to its previous editions, the place had through visual, verbal, silent-tactille and mostly featured achievements and suc- sessions from United Arab Emirates. It Many UAE and Indian publishers squeezed to half of its 40,000 square  # integrated Braille books for the different- cesses of people with special needs curated a number of literary talks and highlighted the need to give young read- metres with lesser number of stalls    ! ly-abled. It explored various issues and around the globe. artistic activities by Sharjah also witness- ers myriad options and bring forth the packed into small and enclosed spaces.   #0+ dimensions of producing, creating and The pavilion also included an exhi- ing traditional Emirati performances by common challenges they face across The number of publishers participating '#    disseminating content for readers. bition curated specially by the All India its National Band. The activities focussed geographic borders rather than just try- had also gone down from 800 to 600.   One of the major highlights of the Confederation of the Blind (AICB) for the on the shared cultural connect between ing to transmit values through books. The stalls saw a sharp decrease from theme presentation was the ‘We Care attendees to learn about how different the Arab world and India. The foreign pavilion also featured more than around 2,500 to about only  !'  ! International Disability Film Festival.’ The instruments can be used by persons with Books from different countries are cultural dialogues and books from 20 1,300. . !  +   festival featured over 45 documentaries special needs. the best references to learn about a new countries including Canada, Spain, Many publishers claimed that they +C .++D  from 27 different nations — India, culture and society. Another project Germany, France, Italy, Egypt, Poland, have not received the best accommoda-   Canada, US, South Africa, Egypt, Ghana,  @       from Sharjah showcased around 57 Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi, China, tion or location that “they had wanted.”    # Hong Kong and several European coun- Taking the centre-stage, a corner at Arabic books that will be translated and Japan, Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, (The fair ended yesterday.)     0P 8$$6 L  .1.&          any of the hottest new gadgets ' ' ' '   Mare also the nosiest ones. 3&= <= #54   $ There was a recent showcase for A   cameras that featured devices to      livestream the living room, bath- room mirrors that offer beauty tips & *,  $" %%" *!7 "# ,"+,# "& - ' '  " and gizmos that track the heartbeats    of unborn children. All will collect %&#% "&+ / %&* * /#*&" %# L some kind of data about their users, mirror - making it more important $  whether photos or monitor read- that personal data is protected.    ings; how well they’ll protect it and “We know we don’t want the what exactly they plan do with it are whole world to know about what’s   )2    ?      ' the important and often unan- going on in the bathroom,” co-   '7         ' ' '   & swered questions. founder Chloe Szulzinger said. '  6       '      '' These features can be useful — The mirror doesn’t need an /        $7  or at least fun — but they all open internet connection to work, she 6O      /     $M            '    J (  the door for companies and their said. The company says it will abide workers to peek into your private by Europe’s stronger privacy rules, $,          $   '  life. Just this week, The Intercept which took effect in May, regardless        '        *+8U     reported that Ring, a security-cam- of where a customer lives.    $ 6 #   &    6    era company owned by Amazon, Customers can choose to share  5 $7  6       8T,  $ '   $ gave a variety of employees and their information with CareOS, but executives access to recorded and only after they’ve explicitly agreed sometimes live video footage from to how it will be used. customers’ homes. The same applies for the busi- $  !  !!  Our data-driven age now forces nesses that buy and install the mir- you to weigh the usefulness of a ror. Customers can choose to share ##  smart mirror against the risk that some information — such as pho- strangers might be watching you in tos of the hair cut they got last time      " your bathroom. Even if a company they visited a salon — but the busi-  L   has your privacy in mind, things can nesses can’t access anything stored    ''    go wrong: Hackers can break in and in user profiles unless users specif-   $ access sensitive data, or your ex ically allow them to. might hold onto a video feed long ers to watch from afar and is most-  ' ' after you’ve broken up. ly designed to check in on aging rel-     *+8U$ “It’s not like all these technolo- atives. Someone who lives else- Some gadgets, meanwhile, are 24 L  gies are inherently bad,” says where can use a smartphone to gathering intimate information.  '            Franziska Roesner, a University of “peek in” anytime, says Steve Yo Sperm sells an iPhone attach-    O  $     ' ''    Washington computer security and Chazin, vice president of products. ment that tests and tracks sperm      ' '    '   privacy researcher. The notion of placing a camera in quality. To protect privacy, the com-             '   But she said the industry is still someone else’s living room might pany recommends that users turn   M     $ (  trying to figure out the right balance feel unsettling. their phones to airplane mode when  *E,   ' "/  '"'    $ between providing useful services Wellcam says video streaming using the test. The company says  1$    " and protecting people’s privacy in isn’t started until someone activates data stays on the phone, within the ' the process. it from a phone and then it stops as app, though there’s a button for shar-  4  8 9 : soon as the person turns it off. ing details with a doctor.    $ #  #O5 O   "    Chazin says such cameras are Owlet, meanwhile, plans to sell     " ''   Like other security devices, “becoming more acceptable because a wearable device that sits over a ""     Ring cameras can be mounted out- loved ones want to know that the woman’s pregnant belly and tracks  ' K5        side the front door or inside the ones they care about are safe.” fetal heartbeats. The company’s pri- -L  home; a phone app lets you see At CES, Ring announced an Just be sure you trust whom vacy policy says personal data gets @   *+8:$ who’s there. But the Intercept said internet-connected video doorbell you’re giving access to. You can’t collected. And users can choose to 7 @  '  the Amazon-owned company was that fits into the peepholes in apart- turn off the camera unless you share heartbeat information with    #    also allowing some high-level engi- ment or dorm-room doors. Though unplug it. researchers studying stillbirths.  '@$.   neers in the U.S. to view customers’ it doesn’t appear Ring uses facial Though such data can be useful,              video feeds, while others in the recognition yet, records show that Forrester analyst Fatemeh Khatibloo  /  #  Ukraine office could view and Amazon recently filed a patent French company CareOS show- warns that these devices aren’t reg- 6 K5 download any customer video file. application for a facial-recognition cased a smart mirror that lets you ulated or governed by U.S. privacy 0  .  L  '  *+8E In a statement, Ring said some system involving home security “try on” different hairstyles. Facial law. She warns that companies could O    ! Amazon employees have access to cameras. recognition helps the mirror’s cam- potentially sell data to insurance   '  $ /    '7  videos that are publicly shared era know which person in a house- companies who could find, for '''R    ' '   $   $   "    ' through the company’s Neighbors hold is there, while augmented-real- instance, that someone was drink-   O   ' '  app, which aims to create a network It’s one thing to put cameras in ity technology overlays your actu- ing caffeine during a pregnancy —       '  $1   " #  O0 '.'   of security cameras in an area. our own homes, but Alarm.com al image with animation on how you potentially raising health risks and    -0  /      *+8U $ Ring also says employees get addi- wants us to also put them in other might look. policy premiums. " / $&       tional video from users who consent people’s houses. CareOS expects hotels and (The CES showcase was held at  8T,  $ to such sharing. Alarm’s Wellcam is for caretak- salons to buy the $20,000 Artemis Las Vegas.) L     F: %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0

1&JA  &,     4 )  O  '          ' '       '      F                                         ' ' '       / A7& / 25 (5 / ,&(, & riminal psychologists say that a person commits a Ccrime in a moment of high tension, irresistible temptation, uncontrollable passion, deep infatuation, extreme provocation or utter frustration or in answer to an undying call of conviction or conscience. So, according to them if he/she could withstand the pres- sure of these conditions of restlessness for even a cou- ple of minutes or perhaps, even for a few seconds, he/she would perhaps have been out of the crime zone and be free from any charge of a cognisable offence. Considering it from another perspective, it could be said that if a man’s rational sense, his self-respect, his con- trol over the emotions, his sober judgement, his noble sentiments and his spiritual or ethical sense had not for- saken him, then, perhaps, the blinding storm of neg- mployees are considered the most igate this inevitable reskilling proce- fied, make sure you grab every oppor- can be an extremely daunting task. ative forces would have subsided and subdued and he critical component of an organi- dure, here are few steps that can help tunity of equipping yourself with them The best way to make the first move would have refrained from the actually committing the Esation’s success. However, in in keeping your skills relevant in this through certifications that can add is to start using it. This practice will crime. This in turn would have saved him/her from the today’s era where business organisations fast changing world. value to your professional profile, sem- make you proficient in those new traumatic experience that often follows a crime. are on a transformation spree to go dig- inars, talks and other kinds of exposure. technologies and adapt to them bet- Once a gory crime has been committed, the gen- ital, neither the qualified nor the (  L    Although companies roll out many on- ter for any professional endeavours in tle spirit of a person has to go through a humiliating skilled, only those who are adaptable Get more proficient with what job skilling opportunities for the the future. Volunteering to take on and excruciating experience even before he is jailed for to the relentless change can survive the you already know to ensure that you are employees, the latter can also invest in projects that employ those new tech- the criminal offence or is punished under the relevant evolution. the best at your existing role. You would relevant online courses and acquire cer- nologies and skills at work is yet act for his civil offence. Not only does he feel depressed As stated in a recent report on ‘The also need to stay up-to-date with new tifications to stay ahead of the curve. another way to develop the skills and carry a heavy burden on his chest but he is unable Future of Jobs’ by the World Economic developments within your field apart you’re keen on developing. The even- to face himself. Forum, by 2020, on an average, more from improving on your core strength   ( tual goal should be to acquire a pro- While the act of than one third of the desired core skill areas. This will help you in staying pre- There are many edu-tech plat- motion or pay raise in the existing job crime and the pun- sets will be comprised of skills that are pared for situations when you get a forms and software providers that or land a new job with the newly ishment implies not yet considered crucial to the jobs chance to display your best perfor- enable you to go beyond doing well in offer technology workshops or online acquired skills so that you never business as usual, of today. mance in a dynamic work environ- your existing field of work. Get in touch programming tutorials. This will enable have to feel worried about your pro- there is an important So as an employee, how does one ment. It will also ensure your value and with the human resources staff at your you to get in touch with experts from fessional future. question which no learn new skills and make sure that relevance in a competitive workplace. current organisation to understand different organisations who will provide The future belongs to those who government or judi- their current skill set stays relevant as the most preferred skills for your pro- you many useful professional sugges- are willing to step out of their com- ciary seriously and well? Simply by recognising the threat L(    fession and your current role, then tions in terms of the most on-demand fort zones to learn new things and assiduously address- of becoming obsolete, emphasising on Staying in the same hierarchy of work towards building these skills in skills in your profession and quick tips technologies that can add value to all es. The question that learning, and relearning things to work with just the existing skills will not tandem with your existing core com- and tricks on getting better at these the concerned stakeholders, cus- lingers relates to the remain up-to-date by constantly accomplish anything. It is necessary to petencies. skills. Make use of every such chance. tomers, employers and obviously, state of mind of a upgrading one’s skills. But, unlearning learn adjacent skills and proficiencies you. person before he old skills is far more difficult than learn- at a domain level, and at an industry- (  (      So what are you waiting for? Get commits the crime ing new ones, yet it’s vital. Thus, to nav- level, to extend your expertise. This will Once the skills have been identi- Learning to use a new technology cracking on your new skills already. and after the act. It is common knowledge

or every parent, their children’s health and Since every coin has a flipside, there are Fwell-being is one of the foremost priorities. some cons that lead to a hesitation among pet While we are witnessing a rapid growth in the  :  parents. First — while pet insurance policies can number of people insuring themselves and their be bought online, the formalities require phys- loved ones in India, there is another interest- ical presence of pets and their parents, followed ing trend that’s emerging. It’s about pet parents 3&4&#! 5>&   *    by an extensive process. It begins with a health insuring their pets. The movement is fuelled by certification from a qualified veterinarian so as the behaviour shift from being a “pet owner”   $ 2  $$ $ 7$ to ascertain whether the pet is suffering from to being a “pet parent” and considering how pets any ailment before issuing of the insurance pol- bring happiness to a home with their uncondi- icy. Further, a detailed pedigree record and a tional affection and companionship, it’s kennel club record need to be submitted along undoubtedly an appreciable shift. Pet parents with the health certificate. Dogs are also today want to make sure that if anything goes required to be suitably identified by breed, age, wrong with their pets health, they should be in nose print, and tattooing, in order to have a cer- a situation to manage finances so that their pets tificate issued. can avail the best possible treatment and live a Moreover, these policies do not cover death healthier life. due to rabies, viral hepatitis, distemper, lep- Although in its nascent stages, growth tospirosis, viral enteritis. The exclusions also opportunities for the pet insurance segment are include injuries or illnesses arising out of endless. One of the major reasons is the expo- unskillful handling or those that were contract- nential increase in the number of pets across the ed prior to taking the policy. country. This is evident in the report titled ‘India While there are both pros and cons to it, pet Pet Food Market Forecast and Opportunities insurance acts as a safety net for the pet and 2019,’ which has estimated the worth of Indian helps in getting them immediate medical atten- pet care market at USD 1.22 billion. With an tion and protection without having to shell out annual CAGR of 35 per cent, Indian pet care a huge amount of money unexpectedly. market is the fastest growing industry global- Moreover, availing pet insurance is the least that ly. can be done in return of the unconditional love that the forces that goad a person to commit any crime Soaring medical costs are also among the that they give us. Therefore, with an increasing are none other than the maddening feelings of anger, major reasons behind a rise in the demand for awareness and consideration among the pet par- consuming fires of hatred, jealousy, rivalry, vengeance pet insurance policies. Since around 85 per cent ent community, pet insurance has become a or enmity, expanded greed, aroused strong passion, of the pets in India are dogs, most of the insur- steadily flourishing segment in the Indian pet inflated or injured ego, surge of emotional attachment ance policies cater to them. Other pets that can care industry. or grave fear of the unknown. We cannot reduce crime be insured includes sheep, fish, elephants, or have a lawful society until and unless we have great- horses, and siamese cats. ly reduced or fully removed these negative traits from As per the current regulations by Insurance the minds of the citizens. It is to tackle these tenden- Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) cies that the society has enacted legislation, set up judi- that approves these plans, there are three ciary and jails. But is that the solution? Are we nearer major types of pet insurance covers that can be our goal? Are we any closer to a society which is free availed — lifetime cover, time-limited cover, and of crime? money-limited cover. While lifetime cover Firstly, the premium to be paid is very low, vary- It is unfortunate that pre-natal and post-natal caters to all the expenses related to long-term ing between 3-5 per cent of the amount aspects of crime have never been adequately dealt with or chronic illnesses like arthritis and eczema insured, depending upon factors such as health by our society. What is actually required are measures along with entitling pet parents to a specific sum condition and market value. Additionally, that increase the psychological and spiritual immuni- of money every year, time-limited covers are depending upon the nature of the policy ty of the citizens to situations of stress and strain or to usually cheaper and provide financial protec- scheme, these cover issues including treatment tempests of greed, ego and passions. This cannot be tion for a specific period, thereby coming in expenses, illnesses contracted while the policy done except by spiritual education, guidance and med- handy during an injury or a sudden disease. is in effect, accident while travelling, loss or itation. The latter can burn the hidden roots of anger, Money-limited covers, on the other hand, theft, accidental poisoning, and incapacitation. hatred and other negative and criminal tendencies in have no specific time limit and provide mon- Furthermore, certain schemes also cover acci- a person. It should also be practiced in jails as well so etary benefit for every condition that falls under dental death and any liabilities such as when a that after a transgression, the person can be reformed the purview of pet insurance coverage. pet attacks or damages a third party or prop- and be normal again. The over-all expenditure and the There are several benefits associated with erty. Permanent total disablement also gets cov- manpower and effort required for this will be far less pet insurance, which has made availing it a ered in certain cases, although one may not get than is involved in keeping the wheels of law oiled and necessity among pet parents in recent times. a 100 per cent claim for the same. moving.

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(  2 / 2 international goal scorer (67 from 106 matches) among active players. heartbreaking loss after a stunning India may again deploy a defensive win denting their confidence, approach and hit on the counter against AIndia will still be fired up by the a physical Bahrain as they need just a prospect of a maiden knock-out round draw while it is a must-win for the West berth when they take on Bahrain in their Asian side as they are with just one point final Asian Cup group league match here from two matches after their 0-1 loss to on Monday. Thailand. A draw against the West Asian side, The Thais defended deep in the first currently ranked 113, will be enough for half against Bahrain and hit on the India (ranked 97) to qualify for the round counter and the 'War Elephants' were able of 16 for the first time in the continent's to get a second half goal. So, it is not showpiece event after failed attempts in beyond India's reach to get a favourable 1984 and 2011. result against Bahrain. Monday's match at the Sharjah Constantine fielded the same start- Stadium, which may turn out to be the ing eleven in both against Thailand and biggest night of Indian football after its UAE in a 4-4-2 formation and it will have achievements during the Golden Years to be seen whether he does the same (1951 to 64), is also significant as talis- against Bahrain. The central defender manic skipper Sunil Chhetri will equal duo of Sandesh Jhingan and Anas former captain Bhaichung Bhutia's record Edathodika largely marshalled the back- of highest appearances for the country at line well so far but there were periods of 107 each. lack of understanding between them India had finished runners-up in the which led to the two goals by UAE. 1964 edition in Israel but that tournament The head coach is unlikely to make was played in a round-robin format com- changes at the heart of the defence as well prising four countries with the winners as in the upfront duo of Chhetri and being decided on the basis of points col- Kuruniyan. However, Constantine may lected in the league. There was not a sin- try out Balwant Singh at some point in gle knock-out match in that edition. time considering the physicality of the But even a defeat on Monday may Bahrain side. still see India (3 points from 2 matches) Jeje Lapekhlua has been the preferred through to the knock-out rounds as one forward for Constantine to come in as of the four third-placed teams if hosts substitute. United Arab Emirates (4 from 2 match- lost 2-5 in the 2011 Asian Cup — by a against UAE as the woodwork denied Rowlin Borges is an option for es) beat Thailand (3 from 2 matches) in big margin as goal difference will get the them on two occasions while Ashique Pranoy Halder in the role of a defensive Al Ain in the other Group A match to be first preference while deciding which Kuruniyan and Chhetri had the goal- midfielder while attacking midfielder played simultaneously. team makes it to the Round of 16 among keeper at their mercy but failed to beat Anirudha Thapa was a bit subdued Four third-placed sides from the six third place sides of equal points. him. India had more shots at opposition against UAE. Right winger Udanta Singh groups of four team each will also In Groups C and D, two bottom- goal though UAE had the overwhelming was brilliant in the match against advance to the knock-out rounds, along placed teams have not yet opened their possession. Thailand as he was involved in three goals with the top two countries. accounts after playing two matches each Constantine has built India into a and he was denied by the crossbar Under the competition rules of the and they have minus goal difference as compact and largely defensive unit which against UAE as well. Asian Cup, if two teams end their group against India's plus one. tries to score on the counter. The team Historically, India have won just stage engagements on equal points, the Courtesy, the stunning win against largely maintained it shape and intensi- one match against Bahrain in seven ranking will be decided first on the basis Thailand has shown that India are no ty in the first two matches against matches played so far between the two of head to head result. longer an 'also ran' side and the second Thailand and UAE. countries. That win (2-0) had come in an So, if both Thailand and India lose match against the UAE -- though lost 0- The lack of creativity in the midfield international friendly in Bahrain in their matches on Monday, India will end 2 -- strengthened the thought that this as compared to other top sides was, how- October, 1979 with striker Shabir Ali at third as they have defeated the 'War side can hold onto their own without fear ever, evident and a lot will depend on scoring both the goals. Elephants' 4-1 in their opening match. and take the game to the opposition, Chhetri, who has become the highest Bahrain have won on five occasions But the Stephen Constantine side unlike the teams of the past. Indian goal scorer in the Asian Cup (with win while one match had ended in a cannot lose to Bahrain — to whom India Luck also eluded India in the match four strikes) as well as second highest draw. 7$ $ ? 2 2      P   $ /,' ) $$$ #( 5 1/&1 ntoine Griezmann came (  2 / 2 Ato the rescue again as Atletico Madrid kept the pres- he odds are stacked against India but sure on Barcelona at the top of Ta confident head coach Stephen La Liga on Sunday by edging Constantine says his players have it in past Levante. them to qualify for the next round of the Griezmann has now scored AFC Asian Cup by beating Bahrain, here all of Atletico's last six goals on Monday. and this latest one, from the The Group A is currently balanced penalty spot, proved the dif- on a knife's edge, with all four teams still ference in a cagey contest at the standing a chance to qualify for the Wanda Metropolitano. Round of 16. A 1-0 victory for Diego 9     While hosts UAE lead the proceed- Simeone's side cuts the gap ings with four points from two games, from five points to two behind India and Thailand are close behind with Barca, who will restore their three points each. the eve of the match. advantage with a win over the Ballon d'Or in December Simeone flailing on the touch-  :   1 The 'Blue Tigers' are ahead of the "I don't believe in records. There are Eibar later on Sunday. but since the prize went to Real line. 'War Elephants' by virtue of a better a lot of factors that come into play. When Levante, who have not won Madrid's Luka Modric, he has It seemed likely the pres- head-to-head record, while Bahrain lies was the last time we played them? Was in the league since December hit seven goals in seven games. sure would pay, however, and #( #,1, bottom with one point. it the same team? What were the cir- 3, stay 11th. Perhaps a sharpening of focus 12 minutes into the second half A win for India will be enough to cumstances? Everything's always chang- Atletico had 19 shots and, has done him good too. so it proved, as Thomas aurizio Sarri warned his Chelsea directly seal a berth in the next round, ing," said Constantine. unusually for them, dominat- He could have scored early Partey's cutback struck the Mstars to improve their mentali- although, with four best third placed "If we win, we don't have to worry ed possession but they contin- but feathered Angel Correa's hand of Nikola Vukcevic, who ty after Willian's sublime strike sealed teams from the six groups also advanc- about anyone else. So we'll focus on our- ue to rely on Griezmann's cross wide while Koke thought had slid to block but left his a hard-fought 2-1 win over struggling ing to the Round of 16, a draw will also selves and see what happens from there. excellent scoring run for he had, tucking Vitolo's pass arm outstretched behind his Newcastle on Saturday. see India through. It's an important game for us. Obviously, points. neatly into the corner, only for back. Griezmann banged the Sarri's side took the lead through So far, India and Bahrain have we want to do well and get the three "We all pull the cart in dif- VAR to find a foul in the penalty into the roof of the net. Pedro's early goal, but Ciaran Clark faced each other seven times. While points. ficult moments," Griezmann build-up. Atletico could have made it snatched a shock equaliser before half- Bahrain have won five times, India have "I'm not sure whether we can call it said. "I cannot do anything In between, Stefan Savic more comfortable late on but time. just managed a solitary win, with the 'do-or-die'. That's a bit too dramatic, I without my team-mates." sustained a thigh injury and Vitolo's shot whistled past the With Chelsea fans beginning to other match ending in a draw. In fact, think," Constantine said. But, in their last five games, was replaced by Jose Gimenez, post, Partey powered over and lose patience at their team's latest five-man defence was carved open the last time that the two teams squared The India coach had words of praise it is the Frenchman's goals who has himself only recently Thomas Lemar found the angle spluttering home display, Willian lift- with ease. off was in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in for the opponents. that have earned wins over returned from a calf problem, too tight. One was just enough. ed the mood in the nick of time with A fine long pass from Chelsea Qatar where India lost 2-5. "They defend very well and are very Levante, Real Valladolid and with this his first league In the other matches of the his superb second-half curler. defender David Luiz caught Clark flat- Constantine says his side can script well organised. I'm sure that it will be dif- Espanyol, while sparing them appearance since December 8. day Villarreal lost to Getafe 1- Fourth-placed Chelsea have won footed. history. ficult. But we have shown that we can defeats away to Sevilla and After a nervy start, Levante 2, Athletic Club managed to five of their last seven league match- Pedro timed his run behind Clark "I have said it before that we can score against good teams. I'm sure we Girona. began to frustrate their oppo- beat Sevilla FC 2-0 with the es and sit six points clear of fifth- perfectly and held off the centre-back's qualify from this group. That is our can score tomorrow as well," he main- Griezmann was persistent nents, whose poor decision- help of Inaki Williams’ stellar placed Arsenal, who lost at West Ham weak attempt to recover as he lofted objective right now," said Constantine on tained. in expressing his desire to win making in the final third had performance who did a brace. earlier on Saturday. a delicate chip over Newcastle keep- But, while Chelsea remain in con- er Martin Dubravka for his seventh trol of the race to qualify for the goal of the season. Champions League, this was a far Chelsea dominated possession from convincing performance. in the first half-hour, but they switched    A   <  ,  Labouring to beat third-bottom off at the back as Newcastle almost Newcastle showed how far Chelsea snatched an equaliser. have to go to bridge the gap in class #( 5 ,-200/ Rotherham and Burton Albion -- he is likely to be chomping at the bit to leaders Liverpool and champions   # #   suggested the clinical, cutting edge to play from the kick-off against Manchester City. Salomon Rondon flicked a head- ep Guardiola's rejuvenated that characterised City's play during Wolves. Sarri also revealed he has told er towards Ayoze Perez and he accel- PManchester City face a potentially last season's record-breaking title- Sergio Aguero, too, has returned Chelsea's hierarchy he needs a new erated away from Antonio Rudiger, tricky challenge at home to winning campaign was back. after being absent since the Liverpool midfielder to replace Cesc Fabregas, only to shoot woefully wide with just Wolverhampton Wanderers on Championship side Rotherham win due to illness and inspirational who joined Monaco on Friday. Kepa Arrizabalaga to beat. Monday as they continue their were swept aside 7-0 at the Etihad, club captain and defender Vincent "Jorginho was in trouble and on It was a warning that Sarri's men Premier League title defence. with third division Burton suffering Kompany is another player winning the bench there wasn't a player for that failed to heed and in the 40th minute But the early days of 2019 sug- an even more painful fate in a lop- his battle to be fit for Monday's position. I need an option for that Newcastle were level. gest their uncharacteristic December sided first leg of League Cup semi- match. position," he sad. Matt Ritchie curled over an out- collapse is firmly behind them. final, when City scored nine goals The general picture suggests "The club knows very well my swinging corner and Clark muscled The final month of last year saw without reply. that, having weathered a brief loss of opinion. It depends on the club deci- past Luiz to power a superb header City lose successive league games, That latter victory not only all but form, City have not only returned to sion. I cannot do anything more." past Kepa from 12 yards. against relatively modest opposi- assured City of a place in the final their clinical best but also have a Another winter of discontent is Once again, Sarri stubbornly tion in both Crystal Palace and against Tottenham or Chelsea next number of key players hitting fitness brewing for Newcastle, wo have won stuck to his experiment with Eden Leicester City, following an end to month but also indicated the at the right time, as Guardiola insists only once in their last nine league Hazard as Chelsea's central striker their unbeaten domestic start to the demanding Guardiola will not tol- his squad can maintain their chase games. despite the Belgian star's dislike of the campaign earlier at the beginning of erate any let-up in his quest to add for honours on four fronts. The Magpies' 18 points is their tactic. With frustration mounting, a December. more silverware to the club's trophy Meanwhile second-placed City lowest tally after 22 matches of a top- misplaced pass by Jorginho triggered But a victory over leaders cabinet. will want to close the seven-point gap flight season since they were relegat- angry moans from Chelsea fans, who Liverpool to kick off New Year com- at the top of the table created by ed in 1988-89. booed the team off at half-time. pletely rejuvenated the mood at the    Liverpool's 1-0 win away to Brighton Tuesday's 1-0 defeat against The atmosphere was on the verge Etihad Stadium after City had been It was a mood reflected by De on Saturday when they face Wolves. Tottenham in the League Cup semi- of turning even more toxic until denied the services of injured play- Bruyne against Rotherham when he However Nuno Espirito Santo's final first leg was the latest display of Willian came to the rescue in the 57th maker Kevin De Bruyne for most of showed visible dissatisfaction at Bruyne refused to return to the bench said City manager Guardiola curtly, side held City to a creditable 1-1 draw attacking impotence from misfiring minute. Teed up by Hazard at last the first half of the campaign. being brought off after an hour, even to watch the remainder of the match, when asked if he had addressed De earlier in the season at Molineux and Chelsea, who had failed to score in making an incisive burst, Willian cut And two stunning cup victories though City were already leading by remaining, instead, in the City dress- Bruyne's reaction to being replaced. drew 1-1 at the Etihad in last season's their last two home league games. back inside two Newcastle defenders in the space of four days -- albeit five goals. ing room. But given the Belgian has started just League Cup when they were still a But it took only nine minutes for on the left side of the area before curl- against lower league clubs Some reports even suggested De "No, I didn't speak with him," one league game so far this campaign, Championship club. the Blues to go in front as Newcastle's ing a finish into the far corner. %# ( #) *# #%) +,-./+0  F? !: !- ) /0 /92 . ,81@  '  /'     5     

#(  50#/,0 sounded a warning Sunday. "I'm playing good tennis. I'm oger Federer and Novak confident that I think it needs a good Djokovic are both gunning for performance by my opponent prob- Ra record seventh Australian ably to beat me," said the Swiss mas- Open crown from Monday, but Andy ter, who warmed for Melbourne Murray will make his last appearance with victory in Perth's Hopman in Melbourne as the era of the "Big Cup. Four" draws to a close. Second-ranked Nadal, 32, pulled Number one Djokovic and third out of Brisbane with a thigh strain seed Federer face a stern challenge although he returned for an exhibi- *&$%+& )+ from the likes of youthful force tion in Sydney and insisted at the Alexander Zverev, seeded four, who weekend his fitness woes were is still looking for a first major to behind him. cement his place as torch-bearer for "I feel good. If I am not feeling "&# %"# the next generation. good, I will not be here," he said But Murray dropped a pre-Grand before revealing he had remodelled Slam bombshell, breaking down dur- his serve. #( 50#/,0 round opponent Istomin caused ing a tear-filled press conference as "There are always things to a massive upset in Melbourne he revealed chronic hip pain means improve," said the Spaniard, who geless Roger Federer said two years ago when he knocked he will retire after Wimbledon — if faces Australian wildcard James ASunday he was in a confi- out defending champion Novak he can carry on that long. Duckworth on Monday. dent mood and warned his Djokovic in the second round, And question marks remain over Djokovic picked young guns rivals he was "playing good ten- outlasting the Serb over five sets. the fitness of world number two Zverev of Germany, Borna Coric of nis" as he aims for a third suc- "I think the focus really is on Rafael Nadal who pulled out of his Croatia, Karen Khachanov of Russia cessive Australian Open title. those early rounds, especially Brisbane warm-up but arrived in and Greece's Stefano Tsitsipas as key The Swiss master enjoyed a tomorrow," said Federer. Melbourne professing he was "fully threats to the top three. successful Hopman Cup warm- "I know what Denis did to fit" and promising to unleash a "It's just a matter of time when up in Perth and knows that at Novak. I watched basically the remodelled serve. we will see some of them competing even the grand old age of 37 he entire game a couple years ago It all means the era of the "Big in the last stages of Grand Slams," has a great chance of a record when he beat Novak here. Four" is almost over after a season in said Djokovic. seventh Melbourne crown and which Federer — who opens his title Zverev, 21, starts the Australian 21st major victory.     defence against Denis Istomin on Open full of confidence after an "I'm playing good tennis. "I've had some tough ones Monday — rolled back the years on impressive warm-up to reach the I'm confident that I think it against him in the past. He can Rod Laver Arena to lift an emotion- final of Perth's mixed teams Hopman needs a good performance by play well in fast courts, and that's al 20th Grand Slam. Cup, despite his terrible record at my opponent probably to beat what it's going to be a little bit It put him on a par with other  !- !    ,6 9 0           Grand Slams. me," said the third seed, who here as well," added the world six-time Australian Open winners He has never got beyond the opens his defence against number three, who has won all Djokovic and Roy Emerson — And Djokovic said Sunday he third round in Melbourne and faces Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin in six previous encounters against although the Australian great's vic- was delighted to be back in & ##50 ,200/ Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene in his open- Monday's night match on Rod Istomin. tories all came before the Open era. Melbourne where his rise to greatness 620V&76/V& er on Tuesday. Laver Arena. "Depending on how you By contrast, the 31-year-old all began in 2008 with his first Last year, seeded four, he crashed A buoyant Federer revealed match up with your opponent, Djokovic endured a miserable early Grand Slam win. #5J0/ 60/ out in the last 32 to South Korea's he had enjoyed a successful who is going to win the big Melbourne exit in 2018, followed by "It was my first major trophy, that 0 ,&,.2&-2 Chung Hyeon and has only reached break coming into the 2019 points, the margins are so slim elbow surgery and a string of disap- obviously served as a great spring- one quarter-final in 14 major appear- season. nowadays that I'm just not pointing results that saw him drop board for my career," Djokovic said 6010/0/K.20, ances. "Throughout my career, I've thinking too far ahead. outside the top 20. as he prepared to open his assault on 2&&#01060,-0 Home fans will look to new been very lucky that in the off- "I don't think I should But since winning a fourth a seventh crown against American Sydney champion and 27th seed Alex seasons I never had any set- because I think that would be a Wimbledon in July, the Serb rose Mitchell Krueger on Tuesday. 7 &,10,&&5&, de Minaur, who faces Portugal's backs," he told reporters at mistake. I hope I can put myself inexorably back to number one by "It opened a lot of doors for me. ,5,1 AK/##01 Pedro Sousa on Monday, and the Melbourne Park. in contention as the tournament losing only three further matches — It allowed me to believe in myself that temperamental Nick Kyrgios. "What I can say is the off- goes deeper, but we'll see." one of which was to Zverev at the I can actually win the biggest tour-  -(20A0 /,/1 Kyrgios has a tough opening season was great for me. I think Federer has skipped the ATP Finals. naments in the world, challenge the # J0/ /0, #&6 , match against former world number maybe it showed a little bit at the European clay court season in Djokovic won his third US Open best players in the world." - Nadal three Milos Raonic and then a pos- Hopman Cup already. Again, recent years as he tries to man- in September to put him on 14 'feels good' - 05&, #*+27/ ,1 sible clash with former Australian look, I'm playing tomorrow. age his workload to extend a Grand Slams — three behind Nadal Federer, now 37, remains the # 5 Open champion Stan Wawrinka in We'll see how it's going to be here remarkable career, which shows and six behind Federer. chief threat to the Serb and he round two. in Melbourne." Federer's first- no signs of slowing. /0:  !     , * - /"  * '"! ' #  #   M # N ( Hyderabad: 6  &     5  % F       '     . &+%" +- "& @7 #"# %     8IEU      5        $2T:       ' $ 8C" % F  (  ,0.10#2& (  ,0.10#2& started pouring in and I rushed to tell my  & F        8IEU father. It was a special moment," said Gill. 5     $       $&  amil Nadu all-rounder Vijay nsidered the 'next big thing' in Indian Gill knew his time would come,     ' +":   "       TShankar on Sunday replaced the ocricket, Shubman Gill has broken into something he had expressed to PTI after 5           suspended Hardik Pandya for India's the national team sooner than he expect- a fruitful campaign in the Deodhar          O     $ ongoing ODI series in Australia while ed and says there can't be a better place Trophy in October, shortly after Shaw's % F        8IEI   rising star Shubman Gill received his to start his international career than New sensational Test debut. 5 - ' '$2  &  maiden call-up to the national team Zealand, where he was named player of Even senior Punjab teammate &        ' $2 for the New Zealand tour beginning U-19 World Cup, 12 months ago. Yuvraj Singh and his IPL captain Dinesh        &      8IET   on January 23. The last one year has seen the 19- Karthik, who was amongst the first few Shankar is a like-for-like replace- year-old opener take giant strides. to congratulate Gill, knew it was only a 7 $&     ' &66   ment for Pandya while Gill replaces The Mohali-based cricketer has fol- matter of time before he reaches the     H V&         5$ % F    Rahul in the squad for the five ODIs lowed his U-19 captain Prithvi Shaw to biggest stage and that would probably $ 2     &         and three T20s in New Zealand. make the Indian team, albeit in the short- happen after the World Cup in May-July. ' $& '$V Both Pandya and Rahul have been er formats, after a 'dream' 2018 when he But Gill has got the selectors' nod suspended pending inquiry for their predicted a long India career for Gill. bagged a lucrative IPL contract follow- well before the ICC mega event in   (  @17  controversial comments on women Yuvraj called Gill a "very special tal- ing a stellar World Cup and made 790 England as he replaces the suspended K Honolulu: & '  #   " during a TV show. ent" on the sidelines of a Ranji Trophy runs in 10 innings at 98.75 in Punjab's L Rahul in the limited overs squad for C8           "   "With KL Rahul and Hardik game in Kolkata last week. latest Ranji Trophy campaign. the New Zealand tour, beginning *+C "U:    $  Pandya set to return from Australia, "He is a young guy whose batting He was also part of the Rahul January 23. The Indian top-order is well    5 (       the All-India Senior Selection I like to watch. He is very exciting. He Dravid India A side that toured New settled at the moment but Gill can still    B"   UU    "        Committee has decided to send all- should serve India for a long time but Zealand last month. get to play during the five ODIs and    '    rounder Vijay Shankar & batsman that will also depend on how well he "It is a big advantage (to be picked three T20s against the Black Caps.  7 /$(    " Shubman Gill as replacements," said is looked after," said Yuvraj. for the New Zealand tour). I played well "The call was unexpected but I  ' ' 5-  5   the BCCI in a statement issued late last Mayank Agarwal, who did well in there in the U-19 World Cup and now understand the circumstances in which  $&    #  8B night. his debut Test series in Australia, was again I have got the opportunity," Gill I have been picked. I have a pretty set   8B  8T '  '          "Vijay Shankar will join the team in line to replace his Karnataka team- said on Sunday after getting the news of target in mind. I have done well at all .  !!        8+  $ # '   BU+"  "B before the start of the 2nd ODI in mate Rahul but it has been learnt that his life, late last night. the levels I have played in so far and that  ' ' '*   ' ' Adelaide. He will be a part of the he is nursing a niggle. " As I have done well there, I can say +  has given me the belief that I can also   "   $2     squad for the ODI series in Australia "Initially, the selectors had picked that there isn't much adjustment need-     + excel in international cricket," said Gill,           and the tour to New Zealand. Mayank Agarwal for K L Rahul and ed in the technique. If I get an oppor-     ' 0+ who is known to pace his innings bril-      $(    ' Shubman Gill has been picked for the Vijay Shankar for Pandya but it has tunity, I will have just need to handle the    #  liantly.  ' EB     .  -   -     8T" ODI & T20I series in New Zealand," been learnt that Agarwal is nursing a pressure that comes with playing for The last one year has been "amaz-  8I*   EB"   $ it added. niggle. India. Mentally, it will be different for 0+    !! ing" for Gill but he attributes his India The inclusion of the highly-rated "That is why the team manage- sure but I am ready." !! !  !+ call-up to years of hard work. Gill in the Indian team was a matter ment has asked for only one replace- He is a supremely gifted and confi- !    "At this time last year we went for $   $   /@/  of time but he has got his big break ment in Australia and that is Shankar. dent cricketer but the occasion got the #    !  the World Cup and now I have got an Valencia: / J      J   8"8  sooner than he expected. And Gill is being rewarded for his better of him when he was informed + !   ! India call-up. Yes, last one year has been  # #'       5      $    1 @   'J   His KKR captain Dinesh Karthik good show in Ranji Trophy and A- about his selection.   !  '  great but I would see this as a result of and more recently senior Punjab tours," a source close to the selection "It was late in the night. My heart work put in by me ever since I started   C+        /    teammate Yuvraj Singh has already committee said. started beating faster. The messages playing the game." J    F       T8 $"  &$ .     ' J     8+     ' *:  "     '    8B "   J    $ J   !            '     2*    % %        -    / '  '    '            $ (  ,0.10#2& nothing for Pakistan. Earlier, de Kock hit 129 from (  1 & suspected illegal bowling actions     4#7@" uinton de Kock made a free- just 138 balls with 18 fours and a reported in Tests, ODIs and Mumbai:  UE  '    '' 2 &"#'  Qflowing century at No. 7 and six as he and Hashim Amla (71) ndian batsman and part time T20Is.     ' #@' 6- '  +":  &  equaled his career-best score as put on 102 and dug South Africa Ioff-spinner Ambati Rayudu "He is required to undergo   #,     $J   South Africa turned the screw on out of trouble in its second has been reported with a suspect testing within 14 days, and, dur- ' K8TOL # '  K:*OL   ,  KBEO W :OL Pakistan on Sunday by setting the innings. bowling action during the first ing this period, Rayudu is per-      &    '   $ tourists 381 to win the final test and They were largely responsible ODI against Australia in Sydney, mitted to continue bowling in # '  @ '  2 5 $&  avoid a series whitewash. for setting Pakistan the big target. the ICC said on Sunday. international cricket until the     '        Pakistan's batsmen responded De Kock arrived with South Rayudu bowled only two results of the testing are known," with signs of the fight that's been Africa on 93-5 and in a precarious overs in the game on Saturday, the statement added.   ' $      ' missing for most of a one-sided position and departed at 302-8 conceding 13 runs. Rayudu has only bowled #@'     '     $ series so far, reaching 153-3 at with his team in complete control. "The match officials' report, 20.1 overs in his 46-ODI old &   '#@'  8+   '  stumps on the third day of the fast- South Africa, which resumed the which was handed over to the career, taking three wickets at an        '&  $ moving third test. That reduced the day on 135-5, was eventually all India team management, cited average of 41.33 and economy               ' #@' 6- equation to 228 more runs need- The scale of the challenge for test cricket at the Wanderers. out for 303. concerns about the legality of the rate of 6.14. He has not bowled  ' &     ' $       ed with seven wickets in hand. Pakistan was still significant. South Africa holds the record Pakistan's batsmen came out 33-year-old off-spinner's bowling in the six T20s he has featured in. '    ' #@'   ' '   Asad Shafiq was 48 not out off The tourists need to make the with its 450-7 against India in fighting, though, with Shafiq espe- action," said the ICC in a state- He also had a forgettable     $         47 balls and approaching the second-highest fourth-innings December 2013 and Pakistan's cially pugnacious to crack eight ment. outing with the bat on Saturday    &       '   daunting challenge with an attack- score ever at the Wanderers in would be the next best score fours and combine in an unbroken However, Rayudu can still and was out for a second-ball      #@'     '     '  ing mindset. Johannesburg to avoid losing the should it chase successfully. 49-run stand with Babar. bowl if the need arises. duck.     $          Babar Azam, one of Pakistan's series 3-0. There have only been With two days of the test still They kept Pakistan's hopes of "Rayudu's bowling action Rayudu had retired from         '     ' +": best batsmen this series, was set- three fourth-innings totals of 300 to play, surviving for a draw is an taking something from the series will now be scrutinised further first-class cricket in November to  $   tling in on 17 not out. or more in more than 60 years of unlikely proposition. It's all or alive for at least one more day. under the ICC process relating to focus on the limited overs game.